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

Genetic swamping refers to the idea that too much inter-breeding jeopardizes the genetic integrity of a subspecies. —Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 28 Nov. 2025

In 2015, he was relocated to the Oklahoma City Zoo to support his natural development and participate in a breeding program, according to the zoo. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

In 2022, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan (SSP) issued a breeding recommendation for the two elephants. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

An elephant seal’s life is a constant cycle of hunting, breeding and traveling. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 24 Nov. 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