breeding

noun

breed·​ing ˈbrē-diŋ 

1

: the action or process of bearing or generating

2

: ancestry

3

a

archaic : education

she had her breeding at my father's charge

—William Shakespeare

b

: training in or observance of the proprieties

4

: the sexual propagation of plants or animals

Synonyms

• ancestry
• birth
• blood
• bloodline
• descent
• extraction
• family tree
• genealogy
• line
• lineage
• origin
• parentage
• pedigree
• stock
• strain

Examples of breeding in a Sentence

She became involved in the breeding of sled dogs.

His politeness shows good breeding.

a person who lacks breeding

Recent Examples on the Web

Since then, conservationists have made significant strides in restoring the species, using a combination of traditional breeding programs and cloning. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Kern explains that vultures have a hierarchical social structure, where dominant individuals have priority access to food resources and breeding opportunities. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

But the birds return to nests, so lost nests shrink their breeding potential. —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2024

The essentially inedible, toothless-grin-bearing, orange orb fruit that graces so many front stoops this time of year is a bit of a plant breeding anomaly. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing breeding

• breeding ground
• breeding season
• selective breeding

Kids Definition

breeding

noun

breed·​ing

1

: ancestry sense 1

2

: training especially in manners

3

: the producing and raising of plants or animals by sexual reproduction