breeding ground

noun

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

• hotbed
• hothouse
• nest
• nidus
• nursery
• seedbed
• seminary

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

But going from that level of description to the complexity of an organism like a fish that knows where to swim to in order to go to its breeding ground and seagulls and things like this. —Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2024

The area is also a migratory route for jaguars and ocelots traveling to and from breeding grounds in Mexico. —Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 22 May 2024

The next morning, Davis took me to the flamingo breeding grounds on the island's southern salt pans. —Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2023

Each winter, the upper Mississippi River plays host to hundreds of bald eagles that are migrating to and from their breeding grounds, writes Madeline Heim. —Steven Martinez, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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