feeder

noun, often attributive

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feed·er | \ ˈfē-dər

Definition of feeder

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

3a : 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 & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about feeder

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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 Unlike the OfficeJet 9150, this model has two paper input trays for loading both regular paper and photo paper, but isn’t equipped with an automatic document feeder. — Paige Szmodis, Popular Mechanics, "The 7 Best All-In-One Printers for Home Offices," 10 July 2020 Also include a wire mesh suet feeder to distribute suet flavored with hot pepper. — Calvin Finch, ExpressNews.com, "Calvin Finch: Christmas gift ideas for the gardener on your list," 3 Dec. 2020 With over 4,100 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this slow feeder is a must-have to keep your dog mentally stimulated and to prevent choking. — Jessica Kasparian, USA TODAY, "These are the best deals for cats and dogs for Prime Day," 14 Oct. 2020 Hang this attractive red feeder with flower drinking stations on your patio or balcony to attract the smallest of birds. — Popular Science, "The best bird feeders for breaking bread with your feathered friends," 24 Dec. 2019 Humming birds returned to his feeder each spring, and mountain lion paw prints sometimes dotted the bed of his truck. — Washington Post, "Six portraits from a year defined by loss," 30 Dec. 2020 The ECNL Regional League is the primary competition for the 2010 team and a feeder system to the full Elite Clubs National League, which begins at the U13 age group. — Emmett Hall, sun-sentinel.com, "Sunrise Prime FC girls’ club ready for prime time," 30 Dec. 2020 Bird feeder birds such as northern cardinals, blue jays and downy woodpeckers are active. — Star Tribune, "Winter isn't as dormant as one might expect; there's action amid inaction," 24 Dec. 2020 As if on cue, hummingbirds began to flit around one feeder, while pigeons swooped in to nibble from another. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: A cancer patient needed critical care. Because of the COVID-19 surge, she died without it," 20 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feeder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.