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 agency is monitoring breeding populations in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Lee Counties. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

However, South Asia was considered a poor area for horse breeding due to the heat and monsoons. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 20 Mar. 2026

The most endangered is the New Zealand fairy tern, tara iti, with a population of less than 50, including 10 breeding females. —Tom Page, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

Some species, like the Anna's hummingbird that's common in Arizona, remain in their breeding territories year-round. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026

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