breastfeed

verb

breast·​feed ˈbrest-ˌfēd 

variants or breast-feed

breastfed or breast-fed; breastfeeding or breast-feeding; breastfeeds or breast-feeds

transitive verb

: to feed (a baby) from a mother's breast

intransitive verb

1

: to breastfeed a baby

… more women are breastfeeding than ever before …

—Lauren Sandler

2

of a baby : to feed oneself by sucking milk from a mother's breast

breastfed adjective

or breast-fed

breastfed babies

breastfeeder noun

or breast-feeder

breastfeeding noun

or breast-feeding

Synonyms

• nurse
• suckle
• wet-nurse

Examples of breastfeed in a Sentence

believes that all women should breast-feed their babies

Recent Examples on the Web

Pump Act Violations: The lawsuit claims instances where Lively’s privacy was invaded while breastfeeding or pumping milk. —Tom Spiggle, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Because limited research exists on the effects of C. asiatica on pregnancy and lactation, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 19 Dec. 2024

In one sweet snap from the carousel, Hubbard could be seen breastfeeding her little one, who was wrapped in a white towel and wearing a pink and blue striped hat. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

If a woman does have a child, breastfeeding has a protective effect against breast cancer. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Dec. 2024

The effects on young children and on pregnant and breastfeeding women have been particularly severe. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns regarding breastfeeding while on zuranolone.1 Therapy Therapy, along with medication, is a first-line treatment for postpartum depression. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 30 Nov. 2024

Several women who were pregnant or breastfeeding experienced symptoms. —Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 28 Nov. 2024

However, the option can be beneficial for some breastfeeding mothers. —Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

breast-feed

verb

ˈbrest-ˌfēd

breast-fed

-ˌfed

; breast-feeding

: to feed a baby from a mother's breast

Medical Definition

breastfeed

verb

breast·​feed

variants or breast-feed

ˈbrest-ˌfēd

breastfed or breast-fed; breastfeeding or breast-feeding; breastfeeds or breast-feeds

transitive verb

: to feed (a baby) from a mother's breast

intransitive verb

1

: to breastfeed a baby

2

of a baby : to feed oneself by sucking milk from a mother's breast

breastfed adjective

or breast-fed

breastfed babies

breastfeeder noun

or breast-feeder

This class for first-time breastfeeders will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

—The Reno (Nevada) Gazette-Journal

On average, infants who were exclusive breast-feeders continued to drink more as they got older …

—The Philadelphia Inquirer

breastfeeding noun

or breast-feeding