feeder

noun

feed·​er ˈfē-dər How to pronounce feeder (audio)
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

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
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.
Having too many feeders can attract unwanted wildlife, spread disease, and cause overcrowding. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2024 Fremont Union High School District, which is a feeder school for CUSD students, already has 92 EV charging stations across across their five high schools. Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2024 Participants can enjoy a flight of three tasters of wine while creating a hummingbird feeder from a wine bottle. Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 His stand was set up along a travel corridor roughly 40 yards away from a feeder. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for feeder 

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

Dictionary Entries Near feeder

Cite this Entry

“Feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feeder. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

feeder

noun
feed·​er ˈfēd-ər How to pronounce feeder (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on feeder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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