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

Unlike other watering systems, the IrriSense 2 houses its controller, sprinkler, electric valve, and nutrient feeder in a single device, controlled via an app on your phone. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 22 June 2026

According to Lisa Tadewaldt, a tree care expert and founder and owner at Urban Forest Pro, these feeders are both easy to install and affordable. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Look for feeders with holes or mesh on the bottom to allow for drainage. — Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 18 June 2026

According to Coen, Edwards and Harvey’s work ethic helped shape the culture of a young program that has since become one of the key feeders into college hockey and now the PWHL. — Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 16 June 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