breeding

noun

breed·​ing ˈbrē-diŋ How to pronounce breeding (audio)
1
: the action or process of bearing or generating
2
3
a
archaic : education
she had her breeding at my father's chargeWilliam Shakespeare
b
: training in or observance of the proprieties
4
: the sexual propagation of plants or animals

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The recent job cuts will hamper the center’s breeding and training efforts, experts told Vox. Benji Jones, Vox, 26 Feb. 2025 Although the winter brought dry, cool conditions, a surge is expected this spring as rising temperatures and humidity create ideal breeding conditions. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2025 The estuary, one of the few salt marshes remaining in Southern California, is a breeding, feeding and nesting ground and key stopover point for migrating birds on their routes from Canada to Mexico and South America, said Green, 48. Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025 The region is famed for its tradition in thoroughbred horse breeding and racing. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for breeding

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeding was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Breeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeding. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

breeding

noun
breed·​ing
1
2
: training especially in manners
3
: the producing and raising of plants or animals by sexual reproduction

More from Merriam-Webster on breeding

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