breeding ground

noun

1. a place where animals breed or to which they return to breed.

2. an environment suitable for or fostering the development of an idea, thing, etc..

   a breeding ground for violence.

Word History and Origins

Origin of breeding ground¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Scientists at the breeding ground on the Valdes Peninsula along Argentina's coast have determined that 97 percent of elephant seal pups died either from being abandoned or contracting bird flu in 2023.

Read more on Barron's

In response, local authorities have begun a province-wide effort to encourage residents to eliminate standing water and reduce mosquito breeding grounds.

Read more on Science Daily

This followed criticism by investors and lawmakers that such listings had become breeding grounds for scams and manipulation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Newsrooms being breeding grounds for gallows humor, most also understand that futility is a terrific comedy catalyst.

Read more on Salon

The president has made clear he sees top schools as hotbeds of liberal ideology and breeding grounds for anti-American sentiment.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hatchery