fodder

noun

fod·​der ˈfä-dər How to pronounce fodder (audio)
1
: something fed to domestic animals
especially : coarse food for cattle, horses, or sheep
2
: inferior or readily available material used to supply a heavy demand
fodder for tabloids
This sort of breezy plot line has become cheap fodder for novelists and screenwriters …Sally Bedell
fodder transitive verb

Examples of fodder in a Sentence

His antics always make good fodder for the gossip columnists. She often used her friends' problems as fodder for her novels.
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.
Decades of research into weather modification has at times become fodder for conspiracy theorists. Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 10 July 2025 Audio-first projects are still part of the mix, but the reality is that personalities simply make for better camera fodder. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 July 2025 The Knicks and Cavaliers have often been floated as destinations where James could be the missing piece for championship contention, though that buzz remains mere fodder among fans and debate shows to this point. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 7 July 2025 Perfect fodder for his MAGA crowd all jazzed about border security. Bob Kustra, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fodder

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English fōdor; akin to Old High German fuotar food — more at food

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fodder was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fodder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fodder. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fodder

noun
fod·​der ˈfäd-ər How to pronounce fodder (audio)
: coarse dry food (as cornstalks) for livestock

More from Merriam-Webster on fodder

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