well-bred
Americanadjective
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well brought up; properly trained and educated.
a well-bred boy.
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showing good breeding, as in behavior or manners.
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(of animals) of a desirable breed or pedigree.
adjective
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Also: well-born. of respected or noble lineage
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indicating good breeding
well-bred manners
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of good thoroughbred stock
a well-bred spaniel
Etymology
Origin of well-bred
First recorded in 1590–1600
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.
A well-bred young woman would not dare to take the arm of a young man in public until they were engaged!
From Literature
The exorbitant cost of buying a well-bred racehorse is not for the faint of wallet.
From Los Angeles Times
“You don’t need a ‘well-bred dog’ to have a best friend to play in dog sports with.
From Seattle Times
In one fell swoop, the well-bred cow showcased Brazil's prowess in the business of modern cattle ranching.
From National Geographic
Tax Code, a well-bred 4-year-old gelding owned by Mischief Racing, has won two of three races this season against strong competition.
From Seattle Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
