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

The identification of this gene has sped up the process of almond breeding. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026

Nile monitor lizards, a powerful invasive predator that can grow up to 7 feet long, are establishing breeding populations across multiple South Florida counties, and wildlife officials say the window to control them is closing fast. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026

Some of these sows are basically caged for the majority of their breeding life — years — and are about the size of a black bear. —Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026

Thanks to modern breeding, this once old-fashioned flower now comes in a wide array of vibrant, garden-ready varieties. —Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Mar. 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