breeding

noun

breed·​ing ˈbrē-diŋ How to pronounce breeding (audio)
1
: the action or process of bearing or generating
2
3
a
archaic : education
she had her breeding at my father's chargeWilliam Shakespeare
b
: training in or observance of the proprieties
4
: the sexual propagation of plants or animals

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One reason for the decline in the bird’s population is a lack of suitable breeding habitat as the bird relies exclusively on young jack pine forests to breed, the release noted. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 28 July 2025 Get rid of standing water around your home to reduce the chance of mosquitoes breeding. Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 28 July 2025 Nolensville Pike, Nashville Besides being home to hundreds of adorable animals, the Nashville Zoo is actively involved in research, habitat protection, breeding programs, and education initiatives. Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025 Since then, the zoo staff have constantly manipulated conditions to facilitate successful breeding. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for breeding

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeding was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Breeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeding. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

breeding

noun
breed·​ing
1
2
: training especially in manners
3
: the producing and raising of plants or animals by sexual reproduction

More from Merriam-Webster on breeding

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