breeder

American  

[bree-der] / ˈbri dər /

noun

1. an animal, plant, or person that produces offspring or reproduces.

2. a person who raises animals or plants primarily for breeding purposes.

3. Also called breeder reactor.  Energy. a nuclear reactor in which more fissile material is produced than is consumed.

4. Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a term used by gay people to refer to a heterosexual person.

5. Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a term used especially by child-free people to refer to a biological parent.

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breeder British  

/ ˈbriːdə /

noun

1. a person who breeds plants or animals

2. something that reproduces, esp to excess

   rabbits are persistent breeders

3. an animal kept for breeding purposes

4. a source or cause

   a breeder of discontent

5. short for breeder reactor

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Other Word Forms

• nonbreeder noun

Etymology

Origin of breeder

First recorded in 1525–35; breed + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Her subsequent axolotls were purchased from a specialist breeder, making them more expensive, and she also cares for four rescued axolotls that were not been properly looked after by previous owners.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

The newspaper describes her as a "dog breeder and horse lover" who ran Croft Farm, a boarding kennels in the village Thorpe in Balne.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Wes Pingree, a breeder who runs SoCalMiniPigs with his wife Sandra, said prospective buyers often underestimate what “mini” means.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

"We are being treated like third-class citizens," said 72-year-old Yiannis Dinas, a sheep breeder from the Greek region of Macedonia.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

“Now, I do not want a fair dog,” he informed the breeder imperiously.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• adviser
• coach
• handler
• mentor
• professor
• tutor