feeder

noun

feed·​er ˈfē-dər 

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

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 of feeder

• tributary

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

Bird lovers should hop on this $15 glass hummingbird feeder or this solar bird feeder deal ASAP, as both styles are super popular and selling in droves. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2026

In 2025, 13,000 applications were received from over 90 feeder schools in Queens. —February 27, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026

All three species tend to travel back south during September, regardless of the flowers and feeders still in the Sooner state. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 2026

This feeder mat is designed to slow down your cat while eating. —Jessica Moore, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing feeder

• bird feeder
• bottom-feeder
• breast-feeder
• filter feeder
• self-feeder

Rhymes for feeder

• bleeder
• breeder
• leader
• lieder
• meader
• pleader
• reader
• reeder
• seeder
• weeder
• cheerleader
• proofreader

Kids 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