breeding 1 of 2

noun

ˈbrē-diŋ How to pronounce breeding (audio)
Definition of breedingnext
as in lineage
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended a family of good breeding that is well respected in the community

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breeding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of breed
1
as in reproducing
to bring forth offspring rabbits will breed very frequently unless they're kept separated

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2
as in raising
to bring to maturity through care and education he was bred to a life in the military by his father, himself an army captain

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3
as in creating
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind) this habit of favoring one employee over the others will breed resentment

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4
as in sleeping
to engage in sexual intercourse cats breeding outside our window made a horrible racket last night

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5
as in planting
to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set parents who breed in their children a deep respect for people of all classes

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of breeding
Noun
Health officials are tracking virus activity in mosquitoes, birds and humans as warmer temperatures create ideal breeding conditions statewide. — James Ward, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026 The cold, clean water also creates ideal conditions for fish breeding. — Umar Farooq, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
Over time, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust hopes to see white storks successfully breeding in the area and to manage releases from the enclosure into the reserve as part of the species recovery program. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026 Surveys south of the Port Everglades channel have documented more than a thousand conchs, with hundreds actively breeding. — Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for breeding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breeding
  1. lineage
  2. reproducing
  3. raising
  4. creating
  5. sleeping
  6. planting
  7. ancestry
  8. propagating
Noun
  • The fossil indicates that lineages closely related to the Euparkeriidae were also present in South America, highlighting the continent’s role in the early diversification of the relatives of dinosaurs and crocodiles.
    — The Conversation, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, the book goes on for a bit longer after this conflict is over, continuing to trace the Targaryen lineage.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of lineage
Verb
  • While many inland striper fisheries are managed via annual stocking of fingerlings, Texoma stands out because its stripers are reproducing naturally.
    — Ken Perrotte, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The sargassum that began reproducing in the region earlier than usual this year stems from a record 40 million metric tons reported last year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Definition of reproducing
Verb
  • Previous contracts establishing long-term benefits have been set in increments of 10 or even 20 years, raising the stakes for labor and the state.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The war in the Middle East has made cargoes more scarce and, in turn, more expensive, raising the prospects of another energy crunch.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of raising
Verb
  • The Project has transformed tragedy into opportunity and remembrance into action, creating programs and initiatives designed to empower young people, strengthen communities, and open doors that too often remain closed.
    — Doug Myers, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • His teammate, Stephen Jackson, followed him, and within minutes players and fans were throwing haymakers at one another, creating terrifying chaos and images that would haunt the league.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of creating
Verb
  • One of those, the USS Gerald R Ford, also reported problems earlier this year, from toilets that weren’t working to a laundry fire that briefly stopped combat operations and destroyed some sleeping quarters.
    — Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Too much caffeine can cause a racing heart, shakiness, anxiety, headaches, elevated blood pressure, and trouble sleeping.
    — Dr. Onaola Adedeji, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of sleeping
Verb
  • Matt Koch, the lawns research fellow for gardening giant Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, met recently with the president to discuss planting new grass on the White House’s South Lawn.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Using fresh potting mix when planting or repotting is always recommended.
    — Leah Chester-Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of planting
Noun
  • The genetic analyses were restricted to people of European ancestry, limiting how confidently the findings can be applied to other populations.
    — The Conversation US, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Under a 2026 update to screening guidance, men in higher risk groups, including those of Black ancestry, men with germline mutations and men with a strong family history, may be offered screening as early as ages 40 to 45.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of ancestry
Verb
  • Instead, Shanahan recommends layering, a method of propagating new plants from a still-living thyme specimen.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Mai is propagating more than 170 varieties collected from refugees around the world, helping preserve these precious grains while studying which are best suited to our changing climate.
    — Laura Mclively, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of propagating

Phrases Containing breeding

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breeding
breeding ground
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Cite this Entry

“Breeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breeding. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on breeding

Nglish: Translation of breeding for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breeding

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