fodder

noun

fod·​der ˈfä-dər 

1

: something fed to domestic animals

especially : coarse food for cattle, horses, or sheep

2

: inferior or readily available material used to supply a heavy demand

fodder for tabloids

This sort of breezy plot line has become cheap fodder for novelists and screenwriters …

—Sally Bedell

fodder transitive verb

Examples of fodder in a Sentence

His antics always make good fodder for the gossip columnists.

She often used her friends' problems as fodder for her novels.

Recent Examples on the Web

Decades of research into weather modification has at times become fodder for conspiracy theorists. —Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 10 July 2025

Audio-first projects are still part of the mix, but the reality is that personalities simply make for better camera fodder. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 July 2025

The Knicks and Cavaliers have often been floated as destinations where James could be the missing piece for championship contention, though that buzz remains mere fodder among fans and debate shows to this point. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025

Perfect fodder for his MAGA crowd all jazzed about border security. —Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fōdor; akin to Old High German fuotar food — more at food

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fodder

• cannon fodder

Rhymes for fodder

• broader
• dodder
• odder
• solder
• marauder

Kids Definition

fodder

noun

fod·​der ˈfäd-ər 

: coarse dry food (as cornstalks) for livestock