breeding

noun

breed·​ing ˈbrē-diŋ 

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 proprieties

4

: the sexual propagation of plants or animals

Synonyms

• ancestry
• birth
• blood
• bloodline
• descent
• extraction
• family tree
• genealogy
• line
• lineage
• origin
• parentage
• pedigree
• stock
• strain

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

Officers found gear linked to dog fighting on Burrell’s property, including a live chicken that was used to tempt the dogs, a dog treadmill and a breeding stand. —Christine Pelisek, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025

The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2010, but the breed has come under fire after being at the center of stories involving irresponsible ownership, poor breeding practices and biting incidents. —Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025

China’s captive breeding program had a terrible start, its early years marred by failures at both artificial breeding and keeping cubs alive. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025

China has millions of panda fans, many of whom have taken up the cause of animal welfare in a country where aggressive breeding tactics have injured bears and led to cubs being prematurely separated from their mothers. —Mara Hvistendahl, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing breeding

• breeding ground
• breeding season
• selective breeding

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