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.
On Friday, April 24, cattle breeder Santiago Barrero San Román was attacked by the bull at the San Marcos Festival in the remote southern Spanish town of Beas de Segura, according to El País, ABC and La Razón. Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 Public records show that most of Connecticut’s 14 puppy stores source from massive commercial breeders with awful animal welfare records. Annie Hornish, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026 Although some breeders recommend tail docking and ear cropping for medical reasons, these claims have not been substantiated; the procedures are purely aesthetic. Jane Sykes, Washington Post, 27 Apr. 2026 Local breeders, known as fanciers, would release their birds far from home and measure the time and distance covered to return. Sharyn Alfonsi, CBS News, 26 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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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