breeding

noun

breed·​ing ˈbrē-diŋ How to pronounce breeding (audio)
1
: the action or process of bearing or generating
2
3
a
archaic : education
she had her breeding at my father's chargeWilliam Shakespeare
b
: training in or observance of the proprieties
4
: the sexual propagation of plants or animals

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
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.
The researchers found that 71 percent of the dominant females and 79 percent of the breeding males reduced in size at least once over the study period. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025 The Apollo Beach lab headed by O’Neil is one of the nation’s largest coral breeding operations. Max Chesnes, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025 Not surprisingly two of them are about horse breeding. Peter J Reilly, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 For example, the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), which is common around homes, lives and bites within 200 to 300 yards of its breeding site. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for breeding

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeding was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Breeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeding. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

breeding

noun
breed·​ing
1
2
: training especially in manners
3
: the producing and raising of plants or animals by sexual reproduction

More from Merriam-Webster on breeding

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