breed

[briːd]

breed Definition

  • 1a group of animals or plants that have similar characteristics and can be mated to produce offspring
  • 2to keep animals for the purpose of producing young animals in a controlled way
  • 3to develop a particular quality in someone or something

Using breed: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "breed" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The farm breeds cattle for milk production.

  • Example

    She has been breeding dogs for over 10 years.

  • Example

    The company is known for breeding innovation and creativity.

  • Example

    The two species cannot breed with each other.

breed Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for breed

Idioms Using breed

  • breed like rabbits

    to reproduce quickly and frequently, often used in a negative or disapproving way

    Example

    The mice in our attic seem to breed like rabbits; we can't get rid of them!

  • a new type or kind of something, often with innovative or unique qualities

    Example

    The company's latest product is a new breed of smartphone, with features never seen before in the market.

  • to demonstrate good manners and social skills, often used in a sarcastic or critical way

    Example

    He was rude to the waiter, clearly not showing his breeding.

Phrases with breed

  • an animal that is of a single breed and whose parents are also of the same breed

    Example

    The kennel club only accepts pure breed dogs for competitions.

  • cross-breed

    an animal that is a mixture of two different breeds

    Example

    My cat is a cross-breed between a Siamese and a Persian.

  • a person or thing that is very different from others in their group or category

    Example

    He was a breed apart from the other politicians, always speaking his mind and never afraid to take risks.

Origins of breed

from Old English 'bredan', meaning 'to nourish, cherish, keep warm'

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Summary: breed in Brief

The verb 'breed' [briːd] refers to the act of keeping animals or plants for the purpose of producing offspring with similar characteristics. It can also mean to develop a particular quality in someone or something, as in 'The company is known for breeding innovation and creativity.' The term extends into phrases like 'pure breed,' and idioms like 'breed like rabbits,' denoting rapid reproduction, and 'a new breed of,' implying innovative or unique qualities.

How do native speakers use this expression?