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

breed like rabbits, a new breed of, show your breeding

pure breed, cross-breed, breed apart

Formal and Informal Expressions of breed

In different contexts, you can replace 'breed' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'propagate, cultivate, develop' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'raise, rear' is a commonplace synonym.

breed: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for breed

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 breed of
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.
show your breeding
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

pure 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.
breed apart
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.