breeding ground

noun

Synonyms of breeding groundnext
1
: the place to which animals go to breed
2
: a place or set of circumstances suitable for or favorable to growth and development
hurricane breeding grounds

Synonyms of breeding ground

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Examples of breeding ground in a Sentence

a breeding ground for seals The Gulf of Mexico is a breeding ground for hurricanes. The company's casual atmosphere serves as a breeding ground for innovation.
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.
The smallest amount of water can turn into a breeding ground. — Lauren David, Southern Living, 29 May 2026 Such high humidity is an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. — Kat Tretina, Charlotte Observer, 15 June 2026 Anyone who’s ever done ballet will know that many studios are breeding grounds for body image issues. — Refinery29 Staff, Refinery29, 12 Nov. 2025 The Gulf can be a breeding ground for storms regardless of El Niño, thanks to its warm temperatures, especially in the early summer. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for breeding ground

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeding ground was in 1630

Rhymes for breeding ground

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Browse Nearby Words

breeding crate
breeding ground
breeding paralysis
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Cite this Entry

“Breeding ground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeding%20ground. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

breeding ground

noun
1
: the place where animals go to breed
2
: a place or situation that helps or allows something to grow or develop
an expanse of warm ocean that is a breeding ground for hurricanes
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