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.
Miami-Dade alone has 53 different mosquito species, and each has a different behavior, breeding habits, some transmit diseases and others don’t. Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 7 May 2025 The clip shows the one-eyed puppy running around his new home, chasing after other dogs, and playing with Stewie who is a former breeding rabbit. Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 Shoaling, as opposed to schooling, is a social behavior that could affect breeding and cohesion among groups of fish. New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2025 But evidence gathered from witnesses, surveillance video footage and text messages revealed the men operated a dog breeding business, according to court records. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 18 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 22 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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