What does "breed" mean?

1. (type of animal) a specific group of animals within a species that have a similar appearance. 2. (type of person) a type of person with particular qualities or a specific way of life. 3. (to reproduce) when animals have babies. 4. (to raise animals) to keep and manage animals so they produce babies with specific qualities.

breed — meaning, definition & examples

Word

Infinitive

breed

Past

bred

Past participle

bred

01type of animal

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a specific group of animals within a species that have a similar appearance.

n. a stock of animals within a species having a distinctive appearance and typically having been developed by deliberate selection.

“The Labrador is a very popular breed of dog for families.”

“Farmers often choose a specific breed of cattle that is known for its ability to survive in harsh, mountainous climates.”

Synonyms

variety strain type

02type of person

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a type of person with particular qualities or a specific way of life.

n. a class or kind of person distinguished by shared characteristics or professional traits.

“Modern investigative journalists are a dying breed in this era of quick news.”

“The new CEO represents a different breed of leader, one who prioritises emotional intelligence over traditional corporate hierarchy.”

Synonyms

kind sort type

03to reproduce

B1 · Intermediate

v. when animals have babies.

v. to produce offspring; to procreate or reproduce sexually.

“Many birds fly south to warmer places to breed during the spring.”

“The conservation programme aims to encourage the endangered pandas to breed in a protected environment.”

Synonyms

reproduce multiply mate

04to raise animals

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to keep and manage animals so they produce babies with specific qualities.

v. to rear and settle the mating of animals, usually to maintain or improve a specific lineage.

“He decided to breed racehorses after he retired from the track.”

“She has spent decades learning how to breed show dogs that meet the strict aesthetic standards of international competitions.”

Synonyms

raise rear

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “breed” in context.

Verb

01. develop a breed

“Farmers spent decades working to develop a breed of cattle that could withstand the harsh desert heat.”

verb + noun

02. improve the breed

“The kennel club's primary mission is to improve the breed through selective and responsible breeding programs.”

verb + noun

Adjective

03. dying breed

“Traditional watchmakers are a dying breed as most people now rely on digital devices.”

adj + noun

04. pure breed

“She insisted on buying a pure breed because she wanted a dog with a predictable temperament.”

adj + noun

05. rare breed

“In today's corporate world, an executive who prioritizes ethics over profit is a rare breed.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. breed of politician

“A new breed of politician is emerging, one that utilizes social media to bypass traditional news outlets.”

noun + of + noun

07. standard of the breed

“The judge evaluated the spaniel based on the official standard of the breed.”

noun + of + noun

Often used with the preposition 'of' to specify the category of animal or person.

“The volunteer broke out in allergic bumps after exposure to the normal beagle and even the supposed hypoallergenic breeds, but the gene-edited dogs triggered no reaction.”

Phys.org 16 Aug 2026

“Miss that narrow opportunity to breed and release them, and an entire year of conservation work can be lost.”

Phys.org 14 Aug 2026

“Identifying sexual behavior is the first step toward understanding what elements are required for a species to breed.”

Smithsonian Magazine 14 Aug 2026

“That number may be much higher today: Feral hogs breed year-round and each year can produce up to two litters of four to 12 piglets per litter .”

The Conversation 13 Aug 2026

NOUN

Breed(C1)

breeder(B2)

Breeding(B2)