inbreeding

American  

[in-bree-ding] / ˈɪnˌbri dɪŋ /

noun

Biology.

1. the mating of closely related individuals, as cousins, sire-daughter, brother-sister, or self-fertilized plants, which tends to increase the number of individuals that are homozygous for a trait and therefore increases the appearance of recessive traits.

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inbreeding Scientific  

/ ĭn′brē′dĭng /

1. The breeding or mating of related individuals within an isolated or closed group of organisms or people. Inbreeding can result in inbreeding depression. However, in agriculture and animal husbandry, the continued breeding of closely related individuals can help to preserve desirable traits in a stock.

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Etymology

Origin of inbreeding

First recorded in 1835–45; inbreed + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Medieval goats displayed a broader range of genetic variation, while modern Old Irish Goats show clear signs of inbreeding.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

In many cases, one of their offspring takes over the reproductive role, which results in widespread inbreeding within colonies.

From Science Daily • Jan. 31, 2026

In many species, inbreeding can reduce health and fitness.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2025

Genetics determines where they end up, to diminish the risks of inbreeding or disease.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2025

He was a businessman, pronounced ztfynessman in his case, a hardworking, earthbound professional, more concerned with inbreeding among the lions than any over­arching moral or existential scheme.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel