pit bull terrier

British

noun

Also called: American pit bull terrier. a dog resembling the Staffordshire bull terrier but somewhat larger: developed for dog-fighting; it is not recognized by kennel clubs and is regarded as dangerous. It is not allowed in some countries, including the UK

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The American pit bull terrier, dashing around and trying his paw at tricks, has been exactly what Nicole Ellis, 26, and Dre Bates, 30, were looking for, they said.

From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2022

Kelsie’s adopted her daughter’s service dog, a pit bull terrier named Cleopatra, who was inside the apartment with Brooks and Camara’s bodies for 10 hours before they were found by police.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 16, 2022

I’m built like a pit bull terrier, with incredible hand speed and more power than most Thai boxers.

From Salon • Aug. 11, 2018

Expert witness Peter Olsen, a retired veterinary surgeon, said he was satisfied the dog conformed to the type of a pit bull terrier.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2015

Nancy thought, An angry monkey is like a flying pit bull terrier with five prehensile limbs—these critters can do a job on you.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023