breeding

noun

breed·​ing ˈbrē-diŋ How to pronounce breeding (audio)
Synonyms of breedingnext
1
: the action or process of bearing or generating
2
3
a
archaic : education
… she had her breeding at my father's charge.William Shakespeare
b
: training in or observance of the customs and manners of polite society
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.
Storm petrels, a species that had not been recorded breeding on the island since records began in the 1930s, arrived in 2014. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 The zoo opened in 1997 and hosts a breeding program for the endangered clouded leopard. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2026 That posture has guided not only the book but also the expansion of the Freakonomics universe into a long-running podcast and live conversations that explore everything from education to horse breeding. Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Unfortunately, these spaces can also be a breeding place for mildew and mold due to high levels of humidity, which creates the opposite environment. Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 28 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeding. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

breeding

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

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