# domesticated

/dəˈmɛstəˌkeɪtəd/ (US) · /dəmˈɛstɪkˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/domesticated
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. animals/plants

adjective · CEFR B2

describes an animal or plant that is bred to live with or be used by people, like a pet or a farm animal.

For teachers: referring to a species that has been selectively bred over generations to live in close association with and to the benefit of humans.

- Dogs were the first domesticated animals to live alongside humans thousands of years ago.
- The transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agriculture relied heavily on the successful cultivation of domesticated cereal crops and livestock.

### 2. person/lifestyle

adjective · CEFR C1 · Humorous · Informal

describes someone who enjoys living a quiet life at home and doing things like cooking or cleaning.

For teachers: referring to an individual who has adopted a settled, home-oriented lifestyle, often involving domestic chores and family life.

- Since he got married, he has become much more domesticated and enjoys cooking dinner every night.
- His friends were surprised by his newly domesticated lifestyle, as he now preferred weekend gardening to his former habit of late-night socialising.

Usage: Often used to describe men who have recently taken up domestic responsibilities.

## Examples

- Dogs were the first domesticated animals.
- The farm has several domesticated species, including sheep and goats, which provide wool and milk for the local community.
- While some animals are easily tamed within a single lifetime, a truly domesticated species has undergone centuries of selective breeding to ensure its temperament and biology suit human needs.

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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.