breeding

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   producing offspring or set aside especially for producing offspring

   the breeding population

2. 2
   noun

   the result of good upbringing, especially knowledge of correct social behavior

   I am a person of breeding and refinement.

3. 3
   noun

   Propagation of offspring through sexual reproduction.

   In analysing the ecological conditions of an animal population we have above all to focus our attention upon the most sensitive stages within the life cycle of the animal, that is, the period of breeding and larval development.

4. 4
   noun

   Nurture; education; formation of manners.

   She had her breeding at my father's charge.

5. 5
   noun

   Descent; pedigree; extraction.

   Your dog has good breeding.

6. 6
   adj

   Of, relating to or used for breeding.

   Your toothbrush is a breeding ground for bacteria.

7. 7
   verb

   present participle and gerund of breed

   Through genetic manipulation and harsh training, I am breeding a species of super-dogs to take over the world.

8. 8
   noun

   the sexual activity of conceiving and bearing offspring

Etymology

From Middle English bredyng, bredynge, from Old English *brēdende, from Proto-Germanic *brōdijandz, present participle of Proto-Germanic *brōdijaną (“to brood; breed”), equivalent to breed + -ing.