outbreed

verb

out·​breed ˈau̇t-ˌbrēd How to pronounce outbreed (audio) -ˈbrēd How to pronounce outbreed (audio)
outbred ˈau̇t-ˌbred How to pronounce outbreed (audio)
-ˈbred
 ; outbreeding

transitive verb

1
ˈau̇t-ˌbrēd How to pronounce outbreed (audio) : to subject to outbreeding
2
ˌau̇t-ˈbrēd How to pronounce outbreed (audio) : to breed faster than

Examples of outbreed in a Sentence

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.
Other things being equal, selfish genes should, therefore, outbreed altruistic ones. — Ian Morris, The New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2020 QuiverFull is based on the belief that, like pure white people, good Christians are going out of style because they are being outbred by sinners. — Michael Harriot, The Root, 17 Jan. 2018 Working sled dogs are typically outbred, or produced by pairing parent dogs that are genetically unlike, for speed and endurance. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2023 Evidently, the herders somehow outbred or exterminated most of Europe’s original farmers. — Jared Diamond, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2018 This threat, called outbreeding depression, raises hackles amongst conservation biologists and is a primary argument against using genetic rescue more widely. — Laura Poppick, Smithsonian, 27 Apr. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of outbreed was circa 1909

Rhymes for outbreed

See All Rhymes for outbreed

Browse Nearby Words

outbreathed
outbreed
outbreeding
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

outbreed

transitive verb
out·​breed -ˈbrēd How to pronounce outbreed (audio)
outbred -ˈbred How to pronounce outbreed (audio) ; outbreeding -ˈbrēd-iŋ How to pronounce outbreed (audio)
1
: to subject to outbreeding
2
: to increase in numbers faster than the increase in (a resource or a competing population)
humans may outbreed their food supply
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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