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 So at sweet cherry breeding programs, cherries are literally bred to be as firm as possible. Charlotte Phillipp, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Take the example of corn: Before plant breeding, roughly 20 to 30 bushels were grown on an acre of land. John Kell, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 Some Michigan breeding robins spend their winters in the southern United States, from east Texas to Florida, and return to the state from February through March. Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 2 Mar. 2024 And given the successful panda breeding program at the San Diego Zoo, this is great for the species, too. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2024 Currently, there are at least 25 breeding colonies along the Pacific coast. Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 In October, the city council approved a moratorium on issuing new breeding permits in the city, but the ordinance is being drafted by the city attorney’s office. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2024 In particular, chocobo racing functioned as a whole micro-game within the world where players would spend dozens of hours breeding and racing giant birds. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2024 Is posted in the front yard of Johnny and Penny Reynolds' home, which is about 300 feet from where a monkey breeding facility is to be built in Bainbridge, Georgia. USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'breeding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near breeding

Cite this Entry

“Breeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeding. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!