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

Plus, the feeder has a no-waste design that prevents the chickens from spilling or soiling feed. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025

Customers can choose between feeders designed for hummingbirds or grain-eating birds. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025

The schedule can be programmed via the app or changed on the body of the feeder. —Molly Higgins, Wired News, 14 Apr. 2025

Along with its easy cleaning features, this feeder also keeps bees and ants at bay. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for feeder

• bleeder
• breeder
• leader
• lieder
• meader
• pleader
• reader
• reeder
• seeder
• weeder
• cheerleader
• proofreader

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