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

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

The French cattle breeder added she fears "mass imports of meat that do not meet France's specifications."

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

Sir Thomas Pilkington:, external A successful owner, breeder and administrator, he was senior steward of the Jockey Club from 1994 to 1998 and also acted as chair of the British Horseracing Board.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

His interest in fabulous beasts was encouraged by his mother, who was an enthusiastic breeder of fancy Hippogriffs.

From "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

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