reproductive

1 of 2

adjective

re·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv 

: of, relating to, or capable of reproduction

highly reproductive wild geese

reproductively adverb

reproductive

2 of 2

noun

: an actual or potential parent

specifically : a sexually functional social insect

Examples of reproductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Burch made national news for sharing her story about having to end a much-wanted pregnancy, a story that resonated with the current state and nationwide debate over reproductive health care. —Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Hormonal fluctuations and irregular periods are typical during these stages of the reproductive lifespan. —Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024

Noun

There's so much work to do as the House Republican Conference chair, as the reproductive for New York's 21st congressional district. —Nbc Universal, NBC News, 7 Jan. 2024

And growing evidence suggests high exposure to microplastics (and the lengthy list of chemicals they’re made from) could provoke immune and stress responses, along with various reproductive, metabolic, and behavioral issues. —Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 15 Sep. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1746, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1932, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing reproductive

• reproductive isolation
• reproductive rights
• reproductive system

Kids Definition

reproductive

adjective

re·​pro·​duc·​tive

ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv

: of, relating to, or capable of reproduction

Medical Definition

reproductive

adjective

re·​pro·​duc·​tive ˌrē-prə-ˈdək-tiv 

: of, relating to, functioning in, or capable of reproduction

reproductive organs

reproductively adverb