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.
Diego was immediately flown back to the Galápagos to join a last-ditch breeding program in 1977. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Since the org partnered with Three Camel Lodge in 2020 to expand the breeding program, visitors to the camp can meet the stoic (but still quite cute and fluffy) guardian dogs. AFAR Media, 25 Apr. 2025 Similarly, Altitude Genetics emphasizes stable genetics, ensuring that every strain undergoes extensive breeding for consistency. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025 That program including opening the mouth to the ocean, restoring tidal wetlands, creating new endangered bird breeding habitat and preserving the surrounding coastal sage scrub habitat vital for endangered songbirds, such as the Belding’s savannah sparrow. Jeff Regan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 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 2 May. 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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