inbreeding

noun

in·​breed·​ing ˈin-ˈbrē-diŋ How to pronounce inbreeding (audio)
1
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock
2
: confinement to a narrow range or a local or limited field of choice

Examples of inbreeding in a Sentence

genetic defects caused by inbreeding
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The population size, as well as inbreeding level and genetic diversity, remained stable for the next 6,000 years until their extinction. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 29 June 2024 Their risk of accidental inbreeding is real: In 2021, The New York Times reported some of Meijer’s offspring had come across one another on the dating app Tinder. Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 9 July 2024 Unlike the initial population bottleneck, genomic signatures over time seem to indicate inbreeding eventually shifted to pairings of more distant relatives, suggesting either a larger mammoth population or a change in behavior. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 29 June 2024 That inbreeding also boosted the purging of harmful mutations. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 29 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for inbreeding 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inbreeding was circa 1842

Dictionary Entries Near inbreeding

Cite this Entry

“Inbreeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inbreeding. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inbreeding

noun
in·​breed·​ing
ˈin-ˌbrēd-iŋ
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve desirable characteristics and eliminate undesirable characteristics from a stock

Medical Definition

inbreeding

noun
in·​breed·​ing ˈin-ˈbrēd-iŋ How to pronounce inbreeding (audio)
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock compare linebreeding, outbreeding

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