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

The review also analyzed the role climate change plays in declining birth rates, finding higher temperatures constitute a heavy toll on the reproductive prospects of most animal life. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026

The results need to be verified by a larger, randomized trial, says Hyagriv Simhan, a professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, who was also not involved with the study. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 27 Apr. 2026

Noun

These reproductives will have two sets of wings with the front pair longer than the hind pair. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2026

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