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

Roads and highways have carved up previously wide-open stretches of desert into parcels that are in some cases too small to allow for the breeding and genetic diversity needed to sustain their population health. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 22 Dec. 2024

The wolves sourced from Oregon, which now include a breeding female and four pups, initially were located in Grand County, but killed as many as a dozen livestock, creating pressure to relocate them. —John Frank, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024

Due to extensive breeding over the years, most strains available today are hybrids. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 17 Dec. 2024

The male roller makes a sport of annoying other birds that stray into its breeding area during the short mating season. —Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 26 Nov. 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