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.
As its name suggests, the beetle bores into trees, drilling tunnels to create breeding galleries. — Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 No experts believe that elk have completely quit bugling because calling is an important aspect of the breeding ritual. — Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 12 Aug. 2026 Ecological mitigation Alongside the fishway, a breeding program at the plant has released nearly 2 million fish into the wild to stabilize populations, which officials report remain steady. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026 Meghan personally called animal rights attorney Shannon Keith, who runs the Beagle Freedom Project, after hearing about 4,000 beagles being rescued from overcrowded and unsanitary conditions at the Envigo breeding and research plant in Virginia. — Audrey Schmidt, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 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 16 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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