inbreeding
noun
in·breed·ing
ˈin-ˈbrē-diŋ 
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
Thai authorities said that tigers in confined environments, and which are already affected by stress and inbreeding conditions, could be particularly vulnerable to the viral infection.
—
Wasamon Audjarint, Fortune, 25 Feb. 2026
Thai authorities said tigers in confined environments, and which already are affected by stress and inbreeding conditions, could be particularly vulnerable to the viral infection.
—Wasamon Audjarint, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Away from this airport stronghold, populations are so small and habitats so eroded that the snakes would be in a downward spiral of inbreeding and population decline if left to their own devices.
—Pepper St. Clair, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
The three genomes allowed the researchers to examine how the species’ genetic diversity, such as levels of inbreeding and the number of harmful mutations, changed through time during the last ice age.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026
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Wasamon Audjarint, Fortune, 25 Feb. 2026
Thai authorities said tigers in confined environments, and which already are affected by stress and inbreeding conditions, could be particularly vulnerable to the viral infection.
—Wasamon Audjarint, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
Away from this airport stronghold, populations are so small and habitats so eroded that the snakes would be in a downward spiral of inbreeding and population decline if left to their own devices.
—Pepper St. Clair, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026
The three genomes allowed the researchers to examine how the species’ genetic diversity, such as levels of inbreeding and the number of harmful mutations, changed through time during the last ice age.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inbreeding
Cite this Entry
“Inbreeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inbreeding. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
inbreeding
noun
in·breed·ing
ˈin-ˈbrēd-iŋ
: 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
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