breeder

noun

breed·​er ˈbrē-dər How to pronounce breeder (audio)
: one that breeds: such as
a
: an animal or plant kept for propagation
b
: one engaged in the breeding of a specified organism
c
: a nuclear reactor designed to produce more fissionable material than it uses as fuel

called also breeder reactor

Examples of breeder 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.
These international operations depend on bloodlines honed over generations by American breeders, law enforcement and animal welfare officials say. Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026 Complicating matters is that both Mexican long-nosed bats and agaves are slow breeders. Susan Montoya Bryan, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026 This year’s competition was judged by two-time Best in Show-winning breeder-owner-handler David Fitzpatrick. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 4 Feb. 2026 Two-time Westminster Best in Show-winning breeder-owner-handler David Fitzpatrick of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, judged this year’s Best in Show, according to a news release. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breeder

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeder was in 1529

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Cite this Entry

“Breeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeder. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

breeder

noun
breed·​er
: one that breeds: as
a
: an animal or plant kept for propagation
b
: one engaged in the breeding of a specified organism

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