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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • nonbreeding adjective

Etymology

Origin of breeding

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because these lentils have been shaped for centuries to thrive in hot, dry conditions, they could become an important resource for breeding crops that can cope with ongoing climate change.

From Science Daily

One last tip: Walk your property and look for standing water in saucers, buckets or any other receptacle since even the smallest of these can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

From Los Angeles Times

The government has also relaxed rules governing the captive breeding of animals used in traditional Chinese medicine and as pets.

From Science Magazine

It said lab-meat, which is produced from the cells of living animals, represented a good alternative to intensive breeding and slaughtering.

From Reuters

"Our programme for government includes several measures that will improve standards of dog breeding and keeping in Wales," they added.

From BBC