reproductive

1 of 2

adjective

re·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce reproductive (audio)
: of, relating to, or capable of reproduction
highly reproductive wild geese
reproductively adverb

reproductive

2 of 2

noun

: an actual or potential parent
specifically : a sexually functional social insect

Examples of reproductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The filmmaker and gender equity advocate has helped shape her husband’s policies on issues like reproductive health, the male loneliness and mental health crisis, school nutrition, and regulating children’s access to social media. Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2026 An adult might, say, get eaten or crushed before maxing out its reproductive potential. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 16 June 2026
Noun
These reproductives, called alates, will have two sets of wings of different sizes, says Benson. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 15 June 2026 Doctors have renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) to better reflect the wide-ranging symptoms of the condition that affects about 10%-13% of reproductive-aged women. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reproductive

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reproductive was in 1746

Cite this Entry

“Reproductive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reproductive. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

reproductive

adjective
re·​pro·​duc·​tive
ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv
: of, relating to, or capable of reproduction

Medical Definition

reproductive

adjective
re·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv How to pronounce reproductive (audio)
: of, relating to, functioning in, or capable of reproduction
reproductive organs
reproductively adverb

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