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

Hannah, a reproductive-health clinician who had a baby about a year and a half ago, is still in the trenches of post-partum life. —E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026

Alumni—including a nonprofit founder, therapist, professor, aspiring physician and a Rhodes Scholar—said UT courses about women’s reproductive health, LGBTQ history and female literature gave them critical thinking skills and new perspectives that shaped their careers. —Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 22 Feb. 2026

Noun

These reproductives, called alates, will have two sets of wings of different sizes, says Benson. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026

She was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects 8% to 18% of reproductive-aged women. —Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025

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