feeder

noun

feed·​er ˈfē-dər 

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

b

: tributary sense 1

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

Synonyms of feeder

• tributary

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

Birdwatchers often spot them stopping at feeders or gardens during these seasonal journeys, making migration an exciting time to observe these remarkable birds. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026

How to feed hummingbirds The easiest way to attract hummingbirds is by hanging a feeder. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 18 Mar. 2026

Beautiful hummingbird feeders, rocking chairs for the front porch, spacious planters and garden hoses, and much more are discounted right now. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026

Salaries and longevity Annual salaries for the five San Dieguito feeder districts range from about $245,000 to close to $290,000, the difference having to do primarily with longevity with the district and prior experience. —Marsha Sutton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing feeder

• bird-feeder
• bottom-feeder
• breast-feeder
• filter feeder
• self-feeder

Rhymes for feeder

• bleeder
• breeder
• leader
• lieder
• meader
• pleader
• reader
• reeder
• seeder
• weeder
• cheerleader
• proofreader

Kids 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