Purebred vs. Thoroughbred — What's the Difference?

Purebreds, also called purebreeds, are "cultivated varieties" (cultivars) of an animal species achieved through the process of selective breeding. When the lineage of a purebred animal is recorded, that animal is said to be pedigreed.

The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed.

Of or relating to an animal having both parents of the same breed or variety.

A purebred or pedigreed animal, especially a horse.

A purebred animal.

Thoroughbred Any of a breed of horses, bred chiefly for racing, originating from crosses between Arabian stallions and English mares.

Having genuine parents of the same breed, usually of an animal.

A well-bred person.

An animal which has genuine parents of the same breed.

Bred of pure stock; purebred.

A pedigreed animal of unmixed lineage; used especially of horses

Thoroughbred Relating or belonging to horses of the Thoroughbred.

Bred for many generation from member of a recognized breed or strain

Thoroughly trained or educated; well-bred.

Bred from pure stock.

Well-bred and properly educated.

Alternative case form of Thoroughbred

(loosely) Any purebred horse.

A person of uncommon strength or endurance (like that of a thoroughbred horse).

A well-bred person.

Bred from the best blood through a long line; pure-blooded; - said of stock, as horses. Hence, having the characteristics of such breeding; mettlesome; courageous; of elegant form, or the like.

A well-bred person

A racehorse belonging to a breed that originated from a cross between Arabian stallions and English mares

A pedigreed animal of unmixed lineage; used especially of horses

Having a list of ancestors as proof of being a purebred animal