inbreeding

noun

in·​breed·​ing ˈin-ˈbrē-diŋ How to pronounce inbreeding (audio)
1
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock
2
: confinement to a narrow range or a local or limited field of choice

Examples of inbreeding in a Sentence

genetic defects caused by inbreeding
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.
In Victoria, the animals’ numbers are dwindling because of predation by cats, habitat loss due to logging and wildfires, climate change and inbreeding. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2025 These include the risk of unintentional inbreeding and the challenge of tracing family connections when health issues arise. William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 In fact, intense inbreeding can explain nearly all the health problems faced by Europe’s royal families. Grrlscientist, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 This experiment also found low genetic diversity and high inbreeding among corpse flowers in institutions, confirming the initial findings. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inbreeding

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inbreeding was circa 1842

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inbreeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inbreeding. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

inbreeding

noun
in·​breed·​ing
ˈin-ˌbrēd-iŋ
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve desirable characteristics and eliminate undesirable characteristics from a stock

Medical Definition

inbreeding

noun
in·​breed·​ing ˈin-ˈbrēd-iŋ How to pronounce inbreeding (audio)
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock compare linebreeding, outbreeding

More from Merriam-Webster on inbreeding

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!