breeding ground

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of breeding ground

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

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

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.

From Barron's

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

From Science Daily

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Salon

Related Words

• hatchery