procreate

American  

[proh-kree-eyt] / ˈproʊ kriˌeɪt /

verb (used with object)

procreated, procreating

1. to beget or generate (offspring).

2. to produce; bring into being.

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verb (used without object)

procreated, procreating

1. to beget offspring.

2. to produce; bring into being.

procreate British  

/ ˈprəʊkrɪˌeɪt /

verb

1. to beget or engender (offspring)

2. (tr) to bring into being

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Other Word Forms

• nonprocreative adjective
• procreant adjective
• procreation noun
• procreative adjective
• procreativeness noun
• procreator noun
• unprocreated adjective

Etymology

Origin of procreate

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin prōcreātus, past participle of prōcreāre “to breed”; pro- ¹, create

Explanation

To procreate is to reproduce. In other words, to procreate is a more formal way of saying "making babies." Notice the word create in procreate? That's a clue that this word is about making something, in this case, making more creatures. In biology, procreation is typically called reproduction. All forms of procreating result in more critters like the originals. Your parents procreated, or you wouldn't be here.

Example Sentences

Courts across the country struggle with whether one person’s right to procreate outweighs another’s right to not become a parent against their will.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

“We don’t procreate enough to keep our population up,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

Not only that, but the pupfish are believed to be one of the most inbred of all species, a lack of genetic variation that makes it difficult for the creatures to procreate and thrive.

From New York Times • May 9, 2024

Wildlife biologists hope the bears would then procreate.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 11, 2023

The most submissive, most appealing lambs were allowed to live longer and procreate.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari