# dying breed

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dying-breed
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A group of people or things that is becoming less numerous over time.

## Examples

- People who fix their own shoes are a dying breed.
- Small family-owned shops are a dying breed in this city because of large supermarkets.
- As digital technology replaces traditional craftsmanship, those who still possess the patience for manual bookbinding are becoming a dying breed.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.