purebred

adjective

pure·​bred ˈpyu̇r-ˈbred 

-ˌbred

: bred from members of a recognized breed, strain, or kind without admixture of other blood over many generations

purebred

ˈpyu̇r-ˌbred 

noun

Synonyms

• blooded
• full-blood
• full-blooded
• pedigreed
• pedigree
• pure-blooded
• pure-blood
• thoroughbred

Examples of purebred in a Sentence

that horse is a purebred Arabian

Recent Examples on the Web

It's sanctioned by the AKC, meaning only purebred dogs registered with the American Kennel Club can participate. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024

There is some evidence that suggests mixed-breed dogs live longer than purebred dogs, according to a 2019 study, but the difference in lifespan decreases if the mixed-breed dogs are bigger. —Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024

Mars used the inheritance to raise purebred Hereford cattle and to buy a stockyard. —Paige Williams, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024

Lawmakers later strengthened the law to forbid all retail dog sales after finding dubious rescues began selling purebred and designer puppies to pet stores. —Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

purebred

adjective

pure·​bred -ˈbred 

: bred from members of a recognized breed, strain, or kind without cross-breeding over many generations

purebred

-ˌbred 

noun

Medical Definition

purebred

adjective

pure·​bred -ˈbred 

: bred from members of a recognized breed, strain, or kind without outbreeding over many generations

purebred

-ˌbred 

noun