English · Word Candidate

breed

/ˈbɹiːd/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: breeds · breeding · bred

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To produce offspring sexually; to bear young.

Verb

Examples

Plant breeding is always a numbers game.[…]The wild species we use are rich in genetic variation, and individual plants are highly heterozygous and do not breed true. In addition, we are looking for rare alleles, so the more plants we try, the better.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To give birth to; to be the native place of.

Verb

Examples

A pond breeds fish.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

All animals or plants of the same species or subspecies.

Noun

Examples

a breed of tulip

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A race or lineage; offspring or issue.

Noun

Examples

And nothing 'gainst Time's scythe can make defence Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “breed” mean?

To produce offspring sexually; to bear young.

Is “breed” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.