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feeder

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noun, often attributive 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
3 a :one that supplies, replenishes, or connects
b :tributary 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

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Examples of feeder in a Sentence

  1. a pigeon feeder holding a bag of stale bread

  2. the lake has several feeders that have their headwaters near the Canadian border

Recent Examples of feeder from the Web

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.

First Known Use of feeder

14th century

feeder Synonyms

Synonyms
affluent, bayou, branch, confluent, tributary, influent
Antonyms
distributary, effluent
Related Words
backwater; brook, brooklet, creek, rill, rivulet, run [chiefly Midland], streamlet; fountainhead, head, headstream, headwater, source

FEEDER Defined for English Language Learners

feeder

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noun

Definition of feeder for English Language Learners

  • : a device for supplying food to animals

  • : a person who supplies food for animals

  • : a road, railway, etc., that connects to a larger road, railway, etc.

Learn More about feeder

  1. See words that rhyme with feeder Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for feeder Spanish Central: Translation of feeder Nglish: Translation of feeder for Spanish speakers

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feeder

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Examples: feeder in a Sentence