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

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

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

So how did a small plant breeder in Somerset end up selling tropical plants all over the world?

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

After spending a petless year with only one child still living at home, my parents visited a breeder and returned with a Great Dane they named Melina.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

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