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

• 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

But plant breeding is a long game. —Don Tse, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025

This is important for conservation when considering breeding and relocation initiatives to increase the size and health of populations. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025

Officials said 45 nailtail wallabies were reintroduced to the park in June 2024, with breeding taking place shortly after. —Lauren Liebhaber september 4, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

Nat Hab will secure permits to look for pandas in the wild, remote reserves, while also taking travelers to panda-research centers and breeding sites for an education on conservation efforts, research and rehabilitations. —Gaby Keiderling, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 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