often attributive
1
: one that feeds: such as
a
: one that fattens livestock for slaughter
b
: a device or apparatus for supplying food
2
: one that eats or takes nourishment
especially
: an animal being fattened or one suitable for fattening
3
a
: one that supplies, replenishes, or connects
c
: a heavy wire conductor supplying electricity at some point of an electric distribution system (as from a substation)
d
: branch
especially
: a branch transportation line
e
: a road that provides access to a major artery
Synonyms
Examples of feeder in a Sentence
a pigeon feeder holding a bag of stale bread
the lake has several feeders that have their headwaters near the Canadian border
Recent Examples on the Web
Hummingbird feeders: Along with flowers and plants to provide shelter, hummingbird feeders are another great way to attract these little birds to your garden.
—
Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 10 Apr. 2024
Our feeders have been hit once already near North Branch.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2024
My own feeder draws large numbers of hummers that drink a quart of liquid every four days.
—Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024
Folks with limited outdoor space can hang up hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar-water solution, Jones said.
—Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 3 Apr. 2024
These five species are the most likely to be at your feeder
3.
—Cecilia Garzella, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024
If sick or dead birds are found at a feeder, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife recommends:
Taking the feeder down immediately and removing any remaining seed from the feeder.
—Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 19 Mar. 2024
Thoroughly rinse the feeder with water to knock away any remaining debris.
—Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 19 Mar. 2024
This window feeder has a metal bracket and three suction cups that reinforce and securely attach the feeder to the outside of a window.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2024
Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 10 Apr. 2024
Our feeders have been hit once already near North Branch.
—Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2024
My own feeder draws large numbers of hummers that drink a quart of liquid every four days.
—Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024
Folks with limited outdoor space can hang up hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar-water solution, Jones said.
—Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 3 Apr. 2024
These five species are the most likely to be at your feeder
3.
—Cecilia Garzella, USA TODAY, 29 Mar. 2024
If sick or dead birds are found at a feeder, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife recommends:
Taking the feeder down immediately and removing any remaining seed from the feeder.
—Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 19 Mar. 2024
Thoroughly rinse the feeder with water to knock away any remaining debris.
—Katie Wiseman, The Courier-Journal, 19 Mar. 2024
This window feeder has a metal bracket and three suction cups that reinforce and securely attach the feeder to the outside of a window.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'feeder.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of feeder was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing feeder
Dictionary Entries Near feeder
Cite this Entry
“Feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feeder. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
feeder
noun
feed·er
ˈfēd-ər 
1
: a device for supplying food
bird feeder
b
: a branch (as of a river or a transportation system) that supplies or connects to another
2
: one that eats
especially
: an animal being fattened or suitable for fattening
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