breeding

American  

[bree-ding] / ˈbri dɪŋ /

noun

1. the producing of offspring.

2. the improvement or development of breeds of livestock, as by selective mating and hybridization.

3. Horticulture. the production of new forms by selection, crossing, and hybridizing.

4. training; nurture.

   He is a man of good breeding.

5. the result of upbringing or training as shown in behavior and manners; manners, especially good manners.

   You can tell when a person has breeding.

6. Energy. the production in a nuclear reactor of more fissile material than is consumed.

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breeding British  

/ ˈbriːdɪŋ /

noun

1. the process of bearing offspring; reproduction

2. the process of producing plants or animals by sexual reproduction

3. the result of good training, esp the knowledge of correct social behaviour; refinement

   a man of breeding

4. a person's line of descent

   his breeding was suspect

5. physics a process occurring in a nuclear reactor as a result of which more fissionable material is produced than is used up

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Other Word Forms

• nonbreeding adjective

Etymology

Origin of breeding

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; breed, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

There are many questions these AZA matchmakers ask themselves before making breeding recommendations, and they extend beyond genetic and personality compatibility: Will these animals be able to create subgroups?

From Los Angeles Times

EDF then suggested a plan to flood 1,500 acres of nearby coast to create a salt marsh breeding ground to offset any fish death.

From The Wall Street Journal

One eagle in the study crossed ten U.S. states and four Canadian provinces during her early life before appearing to settle in northern California, where she seemed poised to establish a breeding territory.

From Science Daily

He was young enough that he hadn’t started breeding or fully established a home range, so wildlife officials caught him and hauled him to what was supposed to be his new home.

From Los Angeles Times

Experts have proposed various benefits to so-called social monogamy, where mates match up for at least a breeding season to care for their young and see off rivals.

From BBC

Related Words

• development
• rearing
• training