breeding

noun

breed·​ing ˈbrē-diŋ 

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

• lineage
• ancestry
• pedigree
• origin
• genealogy
• family

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

Other actions to reduce risk include avoiding exposure during peak feeding times at dusk and dawn, wearing long sleeves and pants to prevent mosquito bites, and draining standing water in yards and gardens to minimize breeding areas. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 17 June 2026

Researchers warn the damage may increase if surviving orangutans face reduced breeding success after the disaster. —Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 16 June 2026

The dog breeding and research business is located in Blue Mounds, a small town about 25 miles (about 40 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Madison. —ABC News, 15 June 2026

Ridglan and a special prosecutor reached a plea agreement requiring the lab to give up its commercial dog-breeding and seller’s license by July 1 to avoid criminal animal-cruelty charges. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing breeding

• breeding ground
• breeding season
• selective breeding

Rhymes for breeding

• beading
• bleeding
• ceding
• feeding
• heeding
• kneading
• leading
• needing
• pleading
• reding
• seeding
• speeding

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