procreation

[ proh-kree-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of begetting offspring:

   The techniques of medically assisted procreation are constantly progressing.

   Procreation perpetuates the species—hippos give birth to hippos, not humans.

Other Words From

• non·pro·cre·a·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of procreation¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin prōcreātiōn-, stem of prōcreātiō, equivalent to prōcreāt(us) (past participle of prōcreāre ) + -iō -ion ( def ); procreate ( def )

Example Sentences

Groups like ADF have revolted against this view of sex as a form of self-expression, untethered from procreation.

From Slate

Long-term goal: ADF’s public statements make clear that it wants to oppose sexual relationships that are not heterosexual, in the context of marriage, and with the goal of procreation.

From Slate

Vance’s performance might have offered him a successful reintroduction to people who knew him only as the online troll insisting that women abandon their cats and get on with the business of procreation, but it’s unlikely to change the course of the election.

From Slate

Here’s one of his observations, delivered from hospice and published in a book: “What we call feminism is the attempt to flee both of the punishments handed to Eve: the pain of procreation and the pain of turning to men for approval and self-esteem.”

From Slate

It’s an attempt, completely rooted in theological dogma, to return women, not just to the pain of procreation, but apparently the death of it.

From Slate

Related Words

• propagation