breeding

1 of 2

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

breeding

2 of 2

present participle of breed entry 1

Synonyms of breeding

Noun

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

Examples of breeding in a Sentence

Noun

She became involved in the breeding of sled dogs.

His politeness shows good breeding.

a person who lacks breeding

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The father and son also allegedly arranged transportation for dogs involved in sales and breeding. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

That’s why the researchers say the tool could be useful for rescuing endangered species with a few individuals left—scientists could create fertile breeding pairs using just one male donor. — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 13 Oct. 2026

In other words, were people intentionally picking the most desirable plants for breeding? — Ornob Alam, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026

Together, these breeding methods have helped Holsteins maintain and improve the high milk production for which they are valued. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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