breeding

noun

breed·​ing ˈbrē-diŋ How to pronounce breeding (audio)
Synonyms of breedingnext
1
: the action or process of bearing or generating
2
: ancestry
3
a
archaic : education
… she had her breeding at my father's charge.—William Shakespeare
b
: training in or observance of the customs and manners of polite society
4
: the sexual propagation of plants or animals

Synonyms of breeding

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Examples of breeding in a Sentence

She became involved in the breeding of sled dogs. His politeness shows good breeding. a person who lacks breeding
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 zoo opened in 1997 and hosts a breeding program for the endangered clouded leopard. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2026 How To Get Rid Of Flies The best way to keep flies away outdoors is to get rid of their food and breeding sources. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 27 June 2026 Storm petrels, a species that had not been recorded breeding on the island since records began in the 1930s, arrived in 2014. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 In 2012, an initiative was launched by the three institutions to refine captive breeding techniques to stabilize the species. — Ray Campos, CBS News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for breeding

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeding was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing breeding

Rhymes for breeding

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Browse Nearby Words

breediness
breeding
breeding crate
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

breeding

noun
breed·​ing
1
: ancestry sense 1
2
: training especially in manners
3
: the producing and raising of plants or animals by sexual reproduction

More from Merriam-Webster on breeding

Nglish: Translation of breeding for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about breeding

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