well-bred

adjective

ˈwel-ˈbred 

1

somewhat old-fashioned : having or displaying the politeness and good manners associated especially with people of high social class

a well-bred English gentleman

well-bred manners

Elizabeth had become a professional dancing teacher, with a school where well-bred children of the city learned the dances they were expected to know in the 1880s and 90s …

—Elizabeth Kendall

2

of an animal : having a good pedigree

well-bred swine

Gate Dancer is a very well-bred horse … who has both speed and stamina …

—William Leggett

Synonyms

• civil
• courteous
• genteel
• gracious
• mannerly
• polite

Examples of well-bred in a Sentence

a well-bred young woman who is unfailingly polite to everyone

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

well-bred

adjective

-ˈbred

: having or showing good manners : polite