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

• 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

The American Camellia Society recommends fertilizing camellias in early March, early May, and early July, as these plants are heavy feeders. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025

The innovative bird feeder features an integrated camera that connects to the accompanying app to show video footage of birds eating at the feeder. —Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025

These include superconductors, correction coils, and magnet feeders that will support the world’s largest fusion experiment. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025

But live feeders already know the outcomes of parts 1 and 2. —Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 28 Sep. 2025

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