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
When the airline industry was deregulated in the 1970s and 80s, major airlines shifted their network structure and placed greater value on more direct control over those feeder flights.
—
Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Again, be sure the components are dry before reassembling the feeder.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
Allow parts to air dry before reassembling the feeder.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
Allow the feeder to soak for at least one hour.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feeder
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Zach Wichter, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
Again, be sure the components are dry before reassembling the feeder.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
Allow parts to air dry before reassembling the feeder.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
Allow the feeder to soak for at least one hour.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feeder
Cite this Entry
“Feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feeder. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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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