Finesentence

Breeding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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breeding

breed-ing

🇺🇸 /ˈbɹidɪŋ/ · 🇬🇧 /bɹˈiːdɪŋ/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animal

The process of mating and producing offspring, especially in animals. Breeding involves selecting desirable traits to pass on to the next generation.

Synonyms

mating, procreation, reproduction.

Examples of usage

  • Selective breeding of dogs has led to the creation of various breeds with specific characteristics.
  • Breeding programs in zoos aim to maintain genetic diversity in endangered species.
Context #2 | Noun

plants

The production of new plants by sexual or asexual reproduction. Breeding in plants is often done to create hybrids with beneficial traits.

Synonyms

crossbreeding, cultivation, propagation.

Examples of usage

  • Farmers engage in breeding crops for higher yields and disease resistance.
  • The breeding of roses has resulted in a wide range of colors and fragrances.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To mate animals in order to produce offspring with desired characteristics. Breeding can also refer to the cultivation of plants for specific traits.

Synonyms

cultivating, mating, producing.

Examples of usage

  • The farmers are breeding their cows for milk production.
  • She is breeding rare orchids in her greenhouse.

Translations

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

Quick facts about “breeding”

Breeding is a 2-syllable noun and verb (breed-ing). It is pronounced /ˈbɹidɪŋ/ in American English and /bɹˈiːdɪŋ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 3 meanings, 9 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #3,729 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“breeding” in science

  • Selective breeding can enhance desirable characteristics in plants and animals, such as size, color, or disease resistance.
  • The study of genetics has revolutionized breeding practices, allowing for precise control over traits through techniques like gene editing.

“breeding” in culture

  • In many cultures, certain animals are bred for cultural significance, such as dogs for companionship or horses for transport.
  • Fashionable designer dogs, like Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, are a result of breeding specific traits from two parent breeds.

“breeding” in conservation

  • Breeding programs are crucial in conservation efforts to save endangered species by increasing their numbers in a controlled environment.
  • Zoo breeding programs often focus on reintroducing species back into the wild to restore ecological balance.

“breeding” in agriculture

  • Crop breeding has led to higher yields and resistant varieties, greatly impacting food production and global hunger solutions.
  • Hybrid fruits and vegetables are created through breeding to enhance flavor and resistance to pests.

Origin of 'breeding'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'bredan', meaning to rear or raise, reflecting a long tradition of animal husbandry.
  • Related to the German word 'brüten', which means to brood or hatch, showing the connection between nurturing and producing.

The word 'breeding' originated from the Old English word 'brēdan', which meant 'to produce offspring by reproduction'. The term has been used for centuries to describe the process of mating and producing offspring in animals and plants. Over time, breeding techniques have evolved to enhance specific traits in various species for agricultural, scientific, and recreational purposes.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,729, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.