reproductive

1 of 2

adjective

re·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv 

: of, relating to, or capable of reproduction

highly reproductive wild geese

reproductively adverb

reproductive

2 of 2

noun

: an actual or potential parent

specifically : a sexually functional social insect

Examples of reproductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Having no cool aunt of my own and no elder sisters, just teenage babysitters and camp counselors (each with their own unique but tenuous grasp on anatomy and reproductive science), the book felt warm, inviting, and—perhaps most important to my terrified, bleeding, self—safe. —Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025

Similar reproductive behavior has been seen in only a handful of frog species in South America and Southeast Asia. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025

Noun

These reproductives will have two sets of wings with the front pair longer than the hind pair. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025

She was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects 8% to 18% of reproductive-aged women. —Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reproductive

• reproductive isolation
• reproductive rights
• reproductive system

Rhymes for reproductive

• deconstructive
• nondestructive
• nonproductive
• reconstructive
• unproductive
• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive

Kids Definition

reproductive

adjective

re·​pro·​duc·​tive

ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv

: of, relating to, or capable of reproduction

Medical Definition

reproductive

adjective

re·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv 

: of, relating to, functioning in, or capable of reproduction

reproductive organs

reproductively adverb