feeder

noun

feed·​er ˈfē-dər How to pronounce feeder (audio)
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
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.
Related Articles Why can’t Oakland hummingbird decide whether to sit or hover at the feeder? Alameda County detects bird flu in child with mild symptoms PG&E blames birds for random East Bay power outages Should chicken hobbyist be concerned about two dead turkey vultures in a neighbor’s yard? Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024 Watching many different kinds of birds visit your feeders is enjoyable, no matter what the season. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024 The automatic document feeder (ADF) and 350-sheet capacity add convenience, while print quality shines for both documents and photos. Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024 The sports bar also regularly airs NHL games, with the spot being a popular gathering place for fans of the Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators, which the Admirals are a feeder team for. Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for feeder 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of feeder was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near feeder

Cite this Entry

“Feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feeder. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

feeder

noun
feed·​er ˈfēd-ər How to pronounce feeder (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on feeder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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