reproduce

verb

re·​pro·​duce ˌrē-prə-ˈdüs How to pronounce reproduce (audio)
-ˈdyüs
reproduced; reproducing; reproduces

transitive verb

: to produce again: such as
a
: to produce (new individuals of the same kind) by a sexual or asexual process
b
: to cause to exist again or anew
reproduce water from steam
c
: to imitate closely
sound-effects can reproduce the sound of thunder
d
: to present again
e
: to make a representation (such as an image or copy) of
reproduce a face on canvas
f
: to revive mentally : recall
g
: to translate (a recording) into sound

intransitive verb

1
: to undergo reproduction
2
: to produce offspring
reproducer noun
reproducibility noun
reproducible adjective or noun
reproducibly adverb

Examples of reproduce in a Sentence

The concert will be reproduced on compact disc. Sound effects can reproduce the sound of thunder. They haven't been able to reproduce the results of the first experiment. Salmon return to the stream to reproduce offspring. The virus is able to reproduce itself very rapidly.
Recent Examples on the Web Anchorage Daily News may not own copyright to portions of articles published; those sections are reproduced here with permission and Anchorage Daily News makes no provisions for further distribution. Alena Naiden, Anchorage Daily News, 15 Sep. 2023 This article originally appeared in Spektrum der Wissenschaft and was reproduced with permission. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 13 Sep. 2023 In natural selection, individual animals with traits that give them an advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce; the slick mutation appears to offer an advantage for different cow species in hot, humid climates. Katherine Rapin, Discover Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023 Most would soon die, and few at this age would even be able to reproduce. Heide Brandes, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Sep. 2023 The business improvement district there asked artists early in the pandemic to submit pieces that could be reproduced over empty windows. Emily Badger, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2023 The most important thing is whether the actors can reproduce the characters in a way that will satisfy the people who read the manga. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Aug. 2023 Orange City Police Department Rhesus macaques are one of two species of wild monkeys — along with vervet monkeys — that are reproducing in Florida, according to the wildlife conservation commission. Julianne McShane, NBC News, 24 Aug. 2023 GitHub’s parent company, Microsoft, and OpenAI are being sued for allegedly violating copyright law with Copilot because the tool can reproduce licensed code. Emilia David, The Verge, 24 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reproduce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of reproduce was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near reproduce

Cite this Entry

“Reproduce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reproduce. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

reproduce

verb
re·​pro·​duce ˌrē-prə-ˈd(y)üs How to pronounce reproduce (audio)
1
a
: to produce new individuals of the same kind
b
: to cause to exist again
reproduce water from steam
c
: to imitate closely
sound effects can reproduce the sound of thunder
d
: to present again
e
: to make an image or copy of
reproduce a face on canvas
f
: to translate a recording into sound
2
: to go through reproduction
her voice reproduces well
3
: to produce offspring
reproducer noun

Medical Definition

reproduce

verb
re·​pro·​duce ˌrē-prə-ˈd(y)üs How to pronounce reproduce (audio)
reproduced; reproducing

transitive verb

1
: to produce (new individuals of the same kind) by a sexual or asexual process
2
: to achieve (an original result or score) again or anew by repeating an experiment or test

intransitive verb

1
: to undergo reproduction
2
: to produce offspring

More from Merriam-Webster on reproduce

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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