reproductive

1 of 2

adjective

re·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv 

: 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

Adjective

Of course, science and biology are integral in this symbolism: The female reproductive cell is an egg, after all. —Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025

One of the country’s largest reproductive health advocacy groups is suing the Trump administration for withholding millions of dollars in federal family planning grants earlier this year. —The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025

Noun

There's so much work to do as the House Republican Conference chair, as the reproductive for New York's 21st congressional district. —Nbc Universal, NBC News, 7 Jan. 2024

And growing evidence suggests high exposure to microplastics (and the lengthy list of chemicals they’re made from) could provoke immune and stress responses, along with various reproductive, metabolic, and behavioral issues. —Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 15 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reproductive

• reproductive isolation
• reproductive rights
• reproductive system

Rhymes for reproductive

• deconstructive
• nondestructive
• nonproductive
• reconstructive
• unproductive
• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• inductive
• instructive

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 

: of, relating to, functioning in, or capable of reproduction

reproductive organs

reproductively adverb