inbreed

verb

in·​breed ˈin-ˈbrēd How to pronounce inbreed (audio)
inbred ˈin-ˈbred How to pronounce inbreed (audio) ; inbreeding

transitive verb

: to subject to inbreeding

intransitive verb

: to engage in inbreeding

Examples of inbreed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Imagine a study in which subjects are chronically cold, sleep-deprived, inbred, and held captive in cramped conditions. — Sonia Shah, The New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2023 When the population of a species dwindles, the remaining animals are forced to inbreed and the genetic pool shrinks, further threatening survival. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 31 Mar. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of inbreed was in 1599

Rhymes for inbreed

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inbreed
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Cite this Entry

“Inbreed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inbreed. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

inbreed

verb
in·​breed ˈin-ˈbrēd How to pronounce inbreed (audio)
inbred -ˈbred How to pronounce inbreed (audio) ; inbreeding
: to subject to or engage in inbreeding

Medical Definition

inbreed

verb
in·​breed ˈin-ˈbrēd How to pronounce inbreed (audio)
inbred -ˈbred How to pronounce inbreed (audio) ; inbreeding

transitive verb

: to subject to inbreeding

intransitive verb

: to engage in inbreeding

More from Merriam-Webster on inbreed

Nglish: Translation of inbreed for Spanish Speakers

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