often attributive
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
3
a
: one that supplies, replenishes, or connects
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
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
These are piercing, sucking feeders that can reduce plant vigor and lead to some leaf decline.
—
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
There is bran in the sachet for feeder mites to feed on, and a pinhole for the predatory mites to climb out and disperse.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
Additionally, steer clear of snow near animal feeders, ponds or other unfiltered water sources, which can introduce contaminants.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Ohio Homemade nectar hummingbird feeders, made with one part white sugar and four parts water, can be placed outside before or around the birds' arrival.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for feeder
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Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
There is bran in the sachet for feeder mites to feed on, and a pinhole for the predatory mites to climb out and disperse.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
Additionally, steer clear of snow near animal feeders, ponds or other unfiltered water sources, which can introduce contaminants.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Ohio Homemade nectar hummingbird feeders, made with one part white sugar and four parts water, can be placed outside before or around the birds' arrival.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for feeder
Cite this Entry
“Feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feeder. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
feeder
noun
feed·er
ˈfēd-ər 
1
: a device for supplying food
bird feeder
b
: a branch (as of a river or a transportation system) that supplies or connects to another
2
: one that eats
especially
: an animal being fattened or suitable for fattening
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