noun
pitbull
noun
1
Short for pit bull terrier, a muscular breed of dog often bred for strength and tenacity.
"Their pitbull is surprisingly gentle with children."
2
Informal: a fiercely aggressive or relentless person, especially in negotiation or argument.
"Her lawyer is a real pitbull in the courtroom."
How to Use Pitbull
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the dog breed, or (figuratively) someone tenacious and aggressive in pursuing a goal.
Common pairings
pitbull terrier
a pitbull lawyer
Word Forms
pitbulls plural
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Their _____ is surprisingly gentle with children.