Breed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿพ
Add to dictionary

breed

[briหd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal breeding

A group of animals within a species that have a distinctive appearance, behavior, or other characteristics that distinguish them from other animals of the same species.

Synonyms

lineage, stock, strain.

Examples of usage

  • The poodle is a popular dog breed known for its curly coat.
  • Labrador Retrievers are a friendly and intelligent breed.
  • She raises champion horse breeds for competitions.
Context #2 | Verb

animal breeding

To mate animals of a particular stock to produce offspring with specific characteristics.

Synonyms

crossbreed, mate, propagate.

Examples of usage

  • The farmers breed their cows to improve milk production.
  • Dog breeders carefully select parents to breed for desired traits.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Science

  • Selective breeding is a practice where humans choose specific animals to mate in order to enhance desired traits, like size or temperament.
  • Different breeds of dogs can vary widely in behavior, appearance, and health, demonstrating the impact of breeding practices.
  • Some breeds are genetically predisposed to certain health issues, emphasizing the importance of ethical breeding practices.

Cultural Significance

  • Certain animal breeds have cultural symbolism; for instance, the Shih Tzu is often associated with Chinese royalty and companionship.
  • Pigeons have been bred over centuries for various purposes, including sport and messaging, showing human ingenuity.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and media, specific animal breeds often represent traits, like bulldogs being tough and loyal or golden retrievers being friendly and playful.
  • The popularity of dog shows like Westminster highlights the importance of breed standards and the pride associated with purebreds.

Agriculture

  • Animal breeding is crucial in agriculture to improve livestock production for meat, milk, and wool.
  • In farming, certain breeds have unique advantages, such as disease resistance or adaptability to different environments.

Origin of 'breed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'breed' comes from the Old English word 'brฤ“dan', which meant 'to rear or bring up'.
  • The term originally applied to livestock and gradually expanded to include pets and other types of animals.
  • In historical texts, 'breed' is often associated with noble family lines or purebloods, indicating a lineage.

The term 'breed' originated in the Middle English and Old English words 'bred' and 'bredan', meaning 'to nourish' or 'to bring up'. Over time, the word evolved to refer to the specific characteristics of animals produced by selective breeding. Breeding has been a fundamental practice in animal husbandry and agriculture for centuries, leading to the development of diverse breeds with unique traits.


See also: bred, breeder, breeding, crossbreed, crossbreeding, interbreed, interbreeding.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,888 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.