breeder

noun

breed·​er ˈbrē-dər How to pronounce breeder (audio)
: one that breeds: such as
a
: an animal or plant kept for propagation
b
: one engaged in the breeding of a specified organism
c
: a nuclear reactor designed to produce more fissionable material than it uses as fuel

called also breeder reactor

Examples of breeder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Overnight, the corporate breeders were locked out of the Golden State market. Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 The variety was created in 2012 by Belgian breeder Roland Boulanger by crossing a sweet yellow cherry tomato called Baby Blue with the creamy yellow beefsteak White Wonder. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026 Check your local humane shelter or reputable breeders in your area. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026 Two days later her mother bought the dog, driving to Wales to pick it up from a breeder who told them that both of its parents were unusually sensitive and intelligent. Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for breeder

Word History

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeder was in 1529

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Cite this Entry

“Breeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeder. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

breeder

noun
breed·​er
: one that breeds: as
a
: an animal or plant kept for propagation
b
: one engaged in the breeding of a specified organism

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