breastfeed

verb

breast·​feed ˈbrest-ˌfēd How to pronounce breastfeed (audio)
variants or breast-feed
breastfed or breast-fed; breastfeeding or breast-feeding; breastfeeds or breast-feeds

transitive verb

: to feed (a baby) from a mother's breast

intransitive verb

1
: to breastfeed a baby
… more women are breastfeeding than ever before …Lauren Sandler
2
of a baby : to feed oneself by sucking milk from a mother's breast
breastfed adjective
or breast-fed
breastfed babies
breastfeeder noun
or breast-feeder
breastfeeding noun
or breast-feeding

Examples of breastfeed in a Sentence

believes that all women should breast-feed their babies
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.
Medical professionals, including naturopaths, recommend breastfeeding a baby during their first six months of life for optimal nutrition, or using formula almost exclusively. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2025 The day after Hank’s admission, Kay and her husband, Ross, explained to George about the baby’s difficulty with breastfeeding, his inexplicable pain and his inability to tolerate formula. Jessica Lussenhop, ProPublica, 30 June 2025 On top of that, the poster's mother-in-law and sister-in-laws have been guilt-tripping her about her breastfeeding choices. Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 28 June 2025 Clove products in general should be kept away from children, as well as those who are taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders, are getting surgery or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 13 June 2025 Unlike other acids and hydroquinone, tranexamic acid is suitable for all skin types, people who are pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, and pairs well with other brightening ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C. Sarah Han, Allure, 12 June 2025 The shrinking rations have led to rising cases of malnutrition among children under 5 and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025 My favorite section, hidden to the right — handscrolls can only be viewed one section at a time — illustrates a breastfeeding woman in the audience. Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 However, there is not enough research to determine if larger quantities are unsafe while breastfeeding. Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of breastfeed was in 1869

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breastfeed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breastfeed. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

breast-feed

verb
ˈbrest-ˌfēd
breast-fed
-ˌfed
; breast-feeding
: to feed a baby from a mother's breast

Medical Definition

breastfeed

verb
breast·​feed
variants or breast-feed
ˈbrest-ˌfēd
breastfed or breast-fed; breastfeeding or breast-feeding; breastfeeds or breast-feeds

transitive verb

: to feed (a baby) from a mother's breast

intransitive verb

1
: to breastfeed a baby
2
of a baby : to feed oneself by sucking milk from a mother's breast
breastfed adjective
or breast-fed
breastfed babies
breastfeeder noun
or breast-feeder
This class for first-time breastfeeders will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Reno (Nevada) Gazette-Journal
On average, infants who were exclusive breast-feeders continued to drink more as they got older … The Philadelphia Inquirer
breastfeeding noun
or breast-feeding

More from Merriam-Webster on breastfeed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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