pit bull terrier

British  

noun

1. 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

---

Example Sentences

Then there was the time her pit bull terrier, Thor, barked at a cat outside, jolting the feline skyward.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

Four breeds have been banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brazileiro.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2023

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

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