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

This viral anti-slip slow feeder lick bowl helps prevent gulping and bloating, while keeping your dogs entertained for longer with a healthy, fun challenge. —Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 25 May 2026

Black oil sunflower seed is the best option for attracting a wide variety of bird species to your feeders. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2026

Races in Indy Lights, IndyCar’s feeder series, through 2016 laid his foundations in America and put him on the IndyCar radar while racing in the all-electric Formula E series. —Luke Smith, New York Times, 25 May 2026

This all-in-one can scan, copy, print, and fax in color and black and white, supports two-sided duplex printing, has a capacious 225-sheet input tray, and a 35-sheet automatic document feeder. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 24 May 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