breeding

noun

breed·​ing ˈbrē-diŋ How to pronounce breeding (audio)
Synonyms of breedingnext
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

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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 annual closure helps protect lobster populations during their breeding period, when many females are carrying eggs. — Denis Akbari, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Conchs are slow-moving and must find a mate to reproduce, making dense breeding aggregations especially important for their continued survival. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 There are many ways to get powerful Pals in Palworld, whether that’s condensing them for extra stars or a whole, whole lot of RNG breeding. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 During the second inspection, inspectors found decaying organic waste, wastewater, food residue, unsanitary conditions that allowed the breeding of flies, as well as live and dead flies along the northern perimeter of the warehouse. — Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing breeding

Rhymes for breeding

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Browse Nearby Words

breediness
breeding
breeding crate
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Cite this Entry

“Breeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeding. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on breeding

Nglish: Translation of breeding for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breeding

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