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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.
But beginning in the 1980s, modern cat breeders interbred the two to produce the Bengal cat, according to the study. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025 Indeed, crate training is recommended by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as well as many vets and breeders. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025 Multiple entries concern previously unknown pigeon breeders, for example. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2025 From backyard breeders to dog-fighting rings, smaller law enforcement agencies can quickly become overwhelmed when responding to major animal hoarding and abuse cases. Kelly Puente, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Nov. 2025 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 1 Dec. 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

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