procreate

verb

pro·​cre·​ate ˈprō-krē-ˌāt How to pronounce procreate (audio)
procreated; procreating

transitive verb

: to beget or bring forth (offspring) : propagate

intransitive verb

: to beget or bring forth offspring : reproduce
procreation noun
procreative adjective
procreator noun

Examples of procreate in a Sentence

Animals have a natural instinct to procreate. the common perception that our Puritan forebears procreated more out of a sense of duty than from desire
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Likewise, how orcs procreate is not discussed anywhere in The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, but is mentioned almost as an aside in The Silmarillion. Caitlin Penzeymoog, Vox, 7 Oct. 2024 Advertisement Yes, humans, like virtually every life form, have a need to procreate — but in aggregate, not individually. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2024 The rush to be in a relationship, the rush to be married, the rush to be in something because that's what you're taught to do, to have kids or procreate. Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 2 Aug. 2024 The rush to be in a relationship, the rush to be married, the rush to be in something because that's what you're taught to do — to have kids or procreate. Njera Perkins, Peoplemag, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for procreate 

Word History

Etymology

Latin procreatus, past participle of procreare, from pro- forth + creare to create — more at pro-, create

First Known Use

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of procreate was circa 1525

Dictionary Entries Near procreate

Cite this Entry

“Procreate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procreate. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

procreate

verb
pro·​cre·​ate ˈprō-krē-ˌāt How to pronounce procreate (audio)
procreated; procreating
: to bring forth offspring : reproduce

Medical Definition

procreate

verb
pro·​cre·​ate ˈprō-krē-ˌāt How to pronounce procreate (audio)
procreated; procreating

transitive verb

: to beget or bring forth (offspring) : propagate

intransitive verb

: to beget or bring forth offspring : reproduce

More from Merriam-Webster on procreate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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