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.

---

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

---

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

Except for the state-sponsored vaccinations, farmers have to carry the financial burden of the outbreak themselves, said cattle breeder Doane Kaizer, who has about 60 cows.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Howard Dill, a Canadian pumpkin breeder, crossed and then certified the Dill’s Atlantic Giant pumpkin variety about 40 years ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025

Brooke Knowles knew she wanted the black puppy posted on the Facebook page of a self-described home breeder of Coton De Tulears.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

But as Darwin, or any bull breeder, could tell you, the breeds had not arisen by accident.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

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