filter feeder
noun
: an animal (such as a clam or baleen whale) that obtains its food by filtering organic matter or minute organisms from a current of water that passes through some part of its system
Examples of filter feeder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The mollusks are efficient filter feeders and can increase the clarity of water by consuming large quantities of plankton, which native fish and other creatures depend on.
—
Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
The filter feeders have greatly affected the ecology of the lake, and in some spots, they are caked onto shipwrecks and other artifacts, obscuring the details that make the wrecks come alive, Schott said.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 2 May 2024
Humpback whales are filter feeders and eat small fish and crustaceans, mostly krill.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
Baleen whales—filter feeders that include blue whales, fin whales and humpback whales—make noises via a larynx, or voice box.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for filter feeder 
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.
Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
The filter feeders have greatly affected the ecology of the lake, and in some spots, they are caked onto shipwrecks and other artifacts, obscuring the details that make the wrecks come alive, Schott said.
—Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 2 May 2024
Humpback whales are filter feeders and eat small fish and crustaceans, mostly krill.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024
Baleen whales—filter feeders that include blue whales, fin whales and humpback whales—make noises via a larynx, or voice box.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for filter feeder
Dictionary Entries Near filter feeder
Cite this Entry
“Filter feeder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filter%20feeder. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share