hand-fed ˈhan(d)-ˈfed How to pronounce hand-feed (audio) ; hand-feeding
Synonyms of hand-feednext

transitive verb

: to feed by hand
He does not just hunt sharks, he hand-feeds them live salmon from a submerged cage.Rick Reilly

Examples of hand-feed 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.
In the meantime, they are being hand-fed, like the rest of the Penguin Island colony. CBS News, 13 June 2026 On land, head to Robbie's in Islamorada to hand-feed massive tarpon. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026 In 2017, a couple driving on the Alaska Highway posted photos of themselves hand-feeding donuts and hot dogs to a grizzly bear through the window of their vehicle. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 21 May 2026 Ollier pointed out the original coal furnaces, still hand-fed to heat each carriage. Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 5 Nov. 2025 The animals have transitioned from being hand-fed to exhibiting natural pack behaviors, including hunting on their own, with Remus taking on a more Alpha role amongst them. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025 Nini might have died too if he hadn’t been caged and hand-fed. Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Meanwhile, Ali Baba’s Farm offers a hands-on experience—where little ones can hand-feed fluffy goats and cuddle baby bunnies beneath shady olive trees. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 They were captured by Capt. Cyrus Alvah Eastman, who hand-fed the sea lions fish throughout their weeklong train journey to Chicago. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hand-feed was in 1794

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Cite this Entry

“Hand-feed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hand-feed. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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