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 proprieties

4

: the sexual propagation of plants or animals

Synonyms

• ancestry
• birth
• blood
• bloodline
• descent
• extraction
• family tree
• genealogy
• line
• lineage
• origin
• parentage
• pedigree
• stock
• strain

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 sparrow brought into the world in a breeding center cared for by people aren’t doing quite that well in the wild. —Kevin Spear, Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2024

The study implies Neanderthal numbers dwindled between 250,000 years and 40,000 years ago, and that by the end of their time on the planet, their breeding population was less than 3000, compared with at least 10,000 breeding modern humans, Akey says. —science.org, 13 July 2024

Customized visits can include a stop at the breeding facility and pig farm, as well as tastings. —Sofia Perez, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2024

Another nearly 700 pandas live in zoos and breeding centers worldwide. —Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing breeding

• breeding ground
• breeding season
• selective breeding

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