feeder

noun

feed·​er ˈfē-dər 

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

b

: tributary sense 1

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

Synonyms

• affluent
• bayou
• branch
• confluent
• influent
• tributary

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

Related Articles Why can’t Oakland hummingbird decide whether to sit or hover at the feeder? Alameda County detects bird flu in child with mild symptoms PG&E blames birds for random East Bay power outages Should chicken hobbyist be concerned about two dead turkey vultures in a neighbor’s yard? —Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024

Watching many different kinds of birds visit your feeders is enjoyable, no matter what the season. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024

The automatic document feeder (ADF) and 350-sheet capacity add convenience, while print quality shines for both documents and photos. —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 11 Nov. 2024

The sports bar also regularly airs NHL games, with the spot being a popular gathering place for fans of the Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators, which the Admirals are a feeder team for. —Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing feeder

• bird feeder
• bottom-feeder
• breast-feeder
• filter feeder
• self-feeder

Kids 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