pit bull

noun

1

or pit bull terrier : a muscular, short-haired, stocky dog (such as an American pit bull terrier or American Staffordshire terrier) of any of several breeds or a hybrid with one or more of these breeds that was originally developed for fighting and is noted for strength, stamina, and tenacity

2

: an aggressive and tenacious person

Synonyms

• barracuda
• fire-breather
• fire-eater
• tiger

Examples of pit bull in a Sentence

a pit bull who won't let anyone stand in her way to the top of the corporate ladder

Recent Examples on the Web

Those defending pit bulls might point to the notion that each and every dog is different and that much of the issues around the breed are down to nurture, or a lack of, rather than nature. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025

The foundation has initiatives in Canada to support people with multiple sclerosis and similar initiatives in the U.S. along with a program to support pit bulls. —Scott Powers, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025

Chris Culbertson , who owned Dobermans, Rottweilers and American pit bulls throughout his life, received over 500 stitches at the hospital. —Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2025

Of the millions of dogs currently hosted by shelters across the country, pit bulls constitute the majority. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pit bull

• brimful
• handful
• mouthful
• roomful
• spoonful
• full
• pull
• wool

Kids Definition

pit bull

noun

: a dog of any of several breeds originally developed for fighting and noted for strength and stamina