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breeding ground

noun

1
: the place to which animals go to breed
2
: a place or set of circumstances suitable for or favorable to growth and development
hurricane breeding grounds

Examples of breeding ground in a Sentence

a breeding ground for seals The Gulf of Mexico is a breeding ground for hurricanes. The company's casual atmosphere serves as a breeding ground for innovation.
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.
Anyone who’s ever done ballet will know that many studios are breeding grounds for body image issues. Refinery29 Staff, Refinery29, 12 Nov. 2025 That’s because well-off Angelenos tend to live on mountains and hillsides and in canyons that are covered in highly flammable chaparral, which are an excellent breeding ground for rapidly spreading fires, driven by Santa Ana winds of up to 100 mph. Todd Longwell, Variety, 12 Nov. 2025 By targeting breeding grounds and establishing protective barriers, Hawx helps families reclaim their outdoor spaces. Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025 The characters’ discussions touch on topical subjects, such as the wealth gap, the internet as a breeding ground for conspiracism, and the psychological effects of climate change. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for breeding ground

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeding ground was in 1630

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Cite this Entry

“Breeding ground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeding%20ground. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

breeding ground

noun
1
: the place where animals go to breed
2
: a place or situation that helps or allows something to grow or develop
an expanse of warm ocean that is a breeding ground for hurricanes
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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