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

The findings may prove especially valuable for crop breeders who are trying to address challenges such as drought and food shortages.

From Science Daily

She made the ferry journey over to England with a fellow Dutch breeder friend and seven pooches between them -- three of them Swedish Vallhunds and four other hounds.

From Barron's

In breeder parlance, miniature can apply to any pig under 300 pounds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Humboldt seemed to have little chance after Terry Lovinger, a prominent California owner and breeder, spoke.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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