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

There’s no evidence that the wolves are a breeding pair. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 30 Nov. 2024

Even a half-acre, or even quarter-acre of cover can hold a breeding pair of deer. —Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024

Miley, a 5-year-old pitbull who has been at Saving Sage for two years, was found abandoned, having been used for breeding then dumped, Saving Sage vice president Kathy Bieniek said. —Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2024

For a bigger excursion, consider a detour to Sable Island National Park Reserve, an island with towering sand dunes, the world’s largest breeding colony of gray seals, and wild horses. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024

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