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

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

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

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

Antiques and Oriental rugs tell people that my mother may be a dog breeder who dropped out of Bryn Mawr, but she’s got power—because she’s got money.

From "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart

Related Words

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