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 customs and manners of polite society

4

: the sexual propagation of plants or animals

Synonyms of breeding

• lineage
• ancestry
• pedigree
• origin
• genealogy
• family

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

The study found unregulated photography trips are a key culprit, causing disturbances and behavioral changes that can disrupt the frogs’ feeding and breeding success. —Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025

Most of the cougars seen in the state since then have traveled from breeding populations in North Dakota and South Dakota. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025

According to a Cavi brand rep, breeding occurs in a lake environment with 90% forest coverage and dissolved oxygen, creating the optimal environment for sturgeons. —Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Dec. 2025

Some animal welfare experts have raised concerns about the quality of Shalom's animal enclosures and its breeding of a white tiger, which is opposed by conservation organizations like the World Wildlife Fund. —Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing breeding

• breeding ground
• breeding season
• selective breeding

Rhymes for breeding

• beading
• bleeding
• ceding
• feeding
• heeding
• kneading
• leading
• needing
• pleading
• reding
• seeding
• speeding

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