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

While natural features can span tens of kilometers, the relatively small platforms seem to provide a comparable level of attraction for these massive filter feeders. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

The team realized that this is how mobula rays are such successful filter feeders. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024

Another one of Earth’s earliest filter feeders, these creatures had fine bristles to comb out microorganisms from seawater, showcasing an efficient adaptation for survival in ancient oceans. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Sponges are the longest-living invertebrates Sponges aren’t the most dynamic animals; rooted to a spot on the seafloor, these filter feeders may appear more similar to plants than animals. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for filter feeder

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

Kids Definition

filter feeder

noun

: an animal (as a clam or baleen whale) that obtains its food by filtering food particles or tiny living things from water