# breed

/ˈbɹid/ (US) · /bɹˈiːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/breed
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. type of animal

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. type of person

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to reproduce

verb · CEFR B1

when animals have babies.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to raise animals

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The Golden Retriever is a very popular breed of dog.
- Farmers often choose a specific breed of cattle that can survive the cold winters of the northern highlands.
- The rise of digital nomads has created a new breed of professional who values geographic flexibility over the traditional stability of a long-term office career.

---

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.