inbreeding
noun
in·breed·ing
ˈin-ˈbrē-diŋ 
1
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock
2
: confinement to a narrow range or a local or limited field of choice
Examples of inbreeding in a Sentence
genetic defects caused by inbreeding
Recent Examples on the Web
However, the monkey herd struggled with inbreeding and violence ... against zoo staff and each other.
—
Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024
And in captivity, robust inbreeding carried on the many white tiger lineages, rather than natural occurrences of SLC45A2.
—Riley Davis, Discover Magazine, 25 May 2022
The cub had an unusually narrow face, which Quintero said was likely the result of inbreeding, a common occurrence given the lack of genetic diversity among big cats in captivity.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2024
Over time, this may also lead to more inbreeding and a lack of genetic variation.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
This pattern leads to more inbreeding, which can create a population of native plants that is less genetically fit to survive and reproduce.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 July 2023
Wolves are making a comeback at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan after nearly disappearing from the rugged island chain because of inbreeding and disease.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2023
People got concerned about extinction, and cattle inbreeding was used.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 30 May 2023
People got concerned about extinction and cattle inbreeding was used.
—Li Cohen, CBS News, 29 May 2023
Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024
And in captivity, robust inbreeding carried on the many white tiger lineages, rather than natural occurrences of SLC45A2.
—Riley Davis, Discover Magazine, 25 May 2022
The cub had an unusually narrow face, which Quintero said was likely the result of inbreeding, a common occurrence given the lack of genetic diversity among big cats in captivity.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2024
Over time, this may also lead to more inbreeding and a lack of genetic variation.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023
This pattern leads to more inbreeding, which can create a population of native plants that is less genetically fit to survive and reproduce.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 July 2023
Wolves are making a comeback at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan after nearly disappearing from the rugged island chain because of inbreeding and disease.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 June 2023
People got concerned about extinction, and cattle inbreeding was used.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 30 May 2023
People got concerned about extinction and cattle inbreeding was used.
—Li Cohen, CBS News, 29 May 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inbreeding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near inbreeding
Cite this Entry
“Inbreeding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inbreeding. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
inbreeding
noun
in·breed·ing
ˈin-ˈbrēd-iŋ
: the interbreeding of closely related individuals especially to preserve and fix desirable characters of and to eliminate unfavorable characters from a stock compare linebreeding, outbreeding
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