procreation

American

[proh-kree-ey-shuhn] / ˌproʊ kriˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

the act or process of begetting offspring.

The techniques of medically assisted procreation are constantly progressing.
Procreation perpetuates the species—hippos give birth to hippos, not humans.

Other Word Forms

nonprocreation noun

Etymology

Origin of procreation

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin prōcreātiōn-, stem of prōcreātiō, equivalent to prōcreāt(us) (past participle of prōcreāre ) + -iō -ion ( def. ); procreate ( def. )

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.

Across many decades and many cultures, maleness was defined by provision, procreation, and protection.

From Slate • Aug. 5, 2025

In public posts online, he argued that procreation without the consent of the unborn is unethical and unjustifiable in a world struggling with environmental harm, violence and overpopulation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2025

The US Vice President JD Vance has also spoken openly about his views on procreation.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2025

We don’t think about it in those terms, of course, but that was the obvious point for early humans with little knowledge of gestation and a weak understanding of the role of intercourse in procreation.

From Salon • Sep. 1, 2024

The existence of such elites goes against the most fundamental principles of natural selection, since these dominant members of society willingly give up procreation.

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023