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.
The bill requires breeders who sell three litters or 25 or more dogs a year to obtain a license through the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025 Under the proposals, pet stores would only have been allowed to showcase animals for adoption from government-run shelters or 501(c)(3) rescues — with strict guidelines to ensure no compensation, breeding or affiliations with breeders or brokers. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 3 July 2025 The Dalmatian Club of America, for example, spent decades urging breeders to euthanize deaf puppies so the trait wouldn’t spread. Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2025 If responsible breeders are regulated out of business, then the only ones left will be irresponsible breeders who ignore the laws. Sheila Goffe, Boston Herald, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for breeder

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeder was in 1531

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Cite this Entry

“Breeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeder. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on breeder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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