thoroughbred
/ˈθʌrəbrɛd
/adjective
1(Of a horse) of pure breed, especially of a breed originating from English mares and Arab stallions and widely used as racehorses: some riders will only buy thoroughbred horses...
- He is passionate about horses and breeds thoroughbred racehorses.
- The first one touching the rope here will receive the prize, which is the handsome thoroughbred race horse, saddle, bridle, and spurs, standing yonder.
- Noblemen founded stables and became interested in breeding thoroughbred racehorses.
Synonyms
pure-bred, pedigree, pure, pure-blooded, full-blooded, pedigreed
1.1 informal Of outstanding quality: this thoroughbred car affords the luxury of three spoilers...
- The cast is of genuine thoroughbred quality.
- By the late 1980s, many were bringing thoroughbred race cars - super powerful, light machines designed only for the race track.
Synonyms
top-quality, high-quality, first-class, first-rate, high-grade, of the first water, of the first order;
choice, select, exclusive, rare, singular, unique, prime, prize, upmarket, fine, excellent, superb, distinguished, exceptional, outstanding, marvellous, superlative, special;
best, choicest, finest, matchless, peerless, unequalled, perfect, flawless;
British top of the range;
chiefly US top of the line;
French par excellence
noun
1A horse of a thoroughbred breed.Harness racing, pacing and trotting, is raced by standard-bred horses as opposed to thoroughbreds, who do the galloping....
- Her hobby is betting on horses, and Josef's business is breeding and racing thoroughbreds.
- In recent seasons, the lucrative prizes and improvements in equine aviation have attracted the cream of Europe's thoroughbreds to the annual US extravaganza.
1.1 informal An outstanding or first-class person or thing: this is a real thoroughbred of a record...
- He looks a real thoroughbred in attack and defence, and has the unusual ability in the current context of remaining injury free.
- Second record cap-holder and an immense tackler, Scott was a thoroughbred from 19, and got stronger and stronger.
- Outstanding in midfield this season, the 32-year-old thoroughbred switched to centre-back after his teammate limped off with a knee injury just over half an hour into the action.