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

In any small, closed breeding pool, harmful genetic mutations can build up over time, damaging animals’ health and reproductive success, and inbreeding exacerbates the problem. —Emily Anthes Chang W. Lee, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2024

However, the monkey herd struggled with inbreeding and violence ... against zoo staff and each other. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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