domesticates; domesticated; domesticating
1
a
: to breed or train (an animal) to need and accept the care of human beings : to tame (an animal)
Humans have domesticated dogs/cattle/chickens.
Horses and oxen have been domesticated to work on farms.
b
: to grow (a plant) for human use
Native Americans domesticated corn.
2
humorous
: to train (someone) to behave in an appropriate way at home (such as by using good manners, being polite, being helpful, etc.)
She jokes that dogs are easier to domesticate than men.
Cite this Entry
“Domesticate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/domesticate. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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