often attributive
1
: one that feeds: such as
a
: one that fattens livestock for slaughter
b
: a device or apparatus for supplying food
2
: one that eats or takes nourishment
especially
: an animal being fattened or one suitable for fattening
3
a
: one that supplies, replenishes, or connects
c
: a heavy wire conductor supplying electricity at some point of an electric distribution system (as from a substation)
d
: branch
especially
: a branch transportation line
e
: a road that provides access to a major artery
Examples of feeder in a Sentence
a pigeon feeder holding a bag of stale bread
the lake has several feeders that have their headwaters near the Canadian border
Recent Examples on the Web
Hummingbirds will arrive in Michigan in late spring 2026, based on typical migration patterns, and BirdWatching recommends putting out your hummingbird feeders by early April.
—
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025
According to Alixandra, who didn't share her surname, Sparrow masterminded her own midnight feast by toppling the feeder and prying off the lid.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
On chilly mornings, the hummers will flock to feeders at the first hint of daylight to drink the high-energy nectar.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025
The scouting nets are now cast across continents, there are feeder and multi-club models and the possibility of one scout like Dubliner Billy Behan pulling up several players, from a tiny pool, talented enough to become first-team regulars is long gone.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feeder
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.
Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025
According to Alixandra, who didn't share her surname, Sparrow masterminded her own midnight feast by toppling the feeder and prying off the lid.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
On chilly mornings, the hummers will flock to feeders at the first hint of daylight to drink the high-energy nectar.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025
The scouting nets are now cast across continents, there are feeder and multi-club models and the possibility of one scout like Dubliner Billy Behan pulling up several players, from a tiny pool, talented enough to become first-team regulars is long gone.
—Andy Mitten, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feeder
Cite this Entry
“Feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feeder. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
feeder
noun
feed·er
ˈfēd-ər 
1
: a device for supplying food
bird feeder
b
: a branch (as of a river or a transportation system) that supplies or connects to another
2
: one that eats
especially
: an animal being fattened or suitable for fattening
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share