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 islands are two of the most important breeding colonies of the African penguin. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025

After formal meetings in Beijing the two leaders will head to the southwestern city of Chengdu — home of China’s giant panda breeding center. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025

Breeder-educator James Loud brings yet another angle, centering on genetics literacy, breeder certification and transparent breeding practices that appeal to both hobbyists and more experienced cultivators. —Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 3 Dec. 2025

The Great Lakes population historically had up to 800 breeding pairs nesting on beaches but hunting and egg collecting in the late 19th century caused the population to drop to fewer than 100 pairs. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 3 Dec. 2025

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