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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It is estimated that about 75 percent of municipal shelters euthanize pit bulls immediately upon intake. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 There were four American pit bull terriers, one French bulldog and one hound type mixed breed found. Viola Flowers, NBC news, 30 May 2025 The 6-week-old family dog, a pit bull mix puppy, was taken by the NYPD to an Animal Care Centers of NYC shelter Tuesday evening. Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025 But who cares about any of that when Mailman Mitch is getting chased by a rabid pit bull?!? Dalton Ross, EW.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pit bull

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pit bull was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Pit bull.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pit%20bull. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

pit bull

noun
: a dog of any of several breeds originally developed for fighting and noted for strength and stamina
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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