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

• 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

But there is little diversity in these feeder roles. —Gena Cox, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Hummers will take advantage of most nectar that’s offered, but when the food and ambiance (clean feeders and no predators) are to their liking, word does get around. —Joan Morris, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025

Cleaning a Hummingbird Feeder Hummingbird feeders typical require slightly more maintenance because of the nectar. —Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025

The birds are naturally drawn to flowers, but are also known for taking pit stops at bright feeders filled with sugary goodness for them. —Joyce Orlando, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 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