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Synonyms

purebred

American  
[pyoor-bred, pyoor-bred] / ˈpyʊərˈbrɛd, ˈpyʊərˌbrɛd /

adjective

  1. of or relating to an animal, all of whose ancestors derive over many generations from a recognized breed.


noun

  1. a purebred animal, especially one of registered pedigree.

purebred British  

adjective

  1. denoting a pure strain obtained through many generations of controlled breeding for desirable traits

"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

noun

  1. a purebred animal Compare grade crossbred

"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

Etymology

Origin of purebred

First recorded in 1865–70; pure + bred

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.

For 31 years Labradors topped the American Kennel Club’s purebred rankings, which are based on more than one million annual registrations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Knowles sued the seller, Tweed Fox of Carlsbad Cotons, over the test results showing Ted was not a purebred puppy, but said she lost.

From Los Angeles Times

I mention specific breeds, but please read each with an asterisk: I am not suggesting a dog has to be purebred to be pure fun.

From Los Angeles Times

We also have the means to purchase a purebred pet from a woman who raises her cats in an immaculate home, where they take turns snoozing on a blanket in front of a fireplace.

From Salon

Lawmakers later strengthened the law to forbid all retail dog sales after finding dubious rescues began selling purebred and designer puppies to pet stores.

From Los Angeles Times