breastfeed

verb

breast·​feed ˈbrest-ˌfēd How to pronounce breastfeed (audio)
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

Examples of breastfeed in a Sentence

believes that all women should breast-feed their babies
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.
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of breastfeed was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near breastfeed

Cite this Entry

“Breastfeed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breastfeed. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on breastfeed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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