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.
Daredevil was born blind and was almost put down at 8 weeks old because the breeder didn't think his life was worth living. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 Martha Stewart has formed an unlikely friendship with a Gen-Z breeder of show chickens, The Washington Post reports. Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 19 May 2025 If possible, put the contract with the breeder in joint names so that both you and your partner are listed as the purchasers/owners. Wendy Hickey, Boston Herald, 11 May 2025 The bill requires breeders who sell three litters or 25 or more dogs a year to obtain a license through the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for breeder

Word History

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of breeder was in 1531

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breeder. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on breeder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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