noun

thoroughbred

thoroughbred, purebred

The Kentucky Derby is a race for thoroughbreds.

The Kentucky Derby is a race for thoroughbreds.

She is a real thoroughbred, excelling at everything.

She is a real thoroughbred, excelling at everything.

((a/the)) thoroughbred a horse of a pure breed The Kentucky Derby is a race for thoroughbreds.

Synonyms: purebred, pedigree

From 'thorough' (complete) + 'bred' (past participle of breed). It literally means 'thoroughly bred'.

Think of an animal that has been 'thoroughly' and carefully 'bred' over many generations to be pure.

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