inbreeding

noun

in·​breed·​ing ˈin-ˈbrē-diŋ 

1

: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock

2

: confinement to a narrow range or a local or limited field of choice

Examples of inbreeding in a Sentence

genetic defects caused by inbreeding

Recent Examples on the Web

But scientists argue that for Bigfoot to have survived for generations, there would need to be a stable breeding population large enough to prevent inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025

Because there is clearly some inbreeding happening that is bound to cause problems. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2025

Water pollution and inbreeding are two other concerns. —Christine Clarridge, Axios, 7 Jan. 2025

Contaminants, noise, prey availability and inbreeding are among the threats Southern Residents face. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inbreeding

• acceding
• cheerleading
• conceding
• crossbreeding
• exceeding
• impeding
• misleading
• misreading
• preceding
• proceeding
• proofreading
• receding

Kids Definition

inbreeding

noun

in·​breed·​ing

ˈin-ˌbrēd-iŋ

: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve desirable characteristics and eliminate undesirable characteristics from a stock

Medical Definition

inbreeding

noun

in·​breed·​ing ˈin-ˈbrēd-iŋ 

: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock compare linebreeding, outbreeding