reproductive

American  

[ree-pruh-duhk-tiv] / ˌri prəˈdʌk tɪv /

adjective

1. serving to reproduce.

2. concerned with or pertaining to reproduction.

   a reproductive process; reproductive organs.

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noun

1. Entomology. a sexually mature male or female termite; a member of the reproductive caste.

reproductive British  

/ ˌriːprəˈdʌktɪv /

adjective

1. of, relating to, characteristic of, or taking part in reproduction

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Other Word Forms

• nonreproductive
  adjective
• nonreproductively
  adverb
• nonreproductiveness
  noun
• reproductively
  adverb
• reproductiveness
  noun
• unreproductive
  adjective
• unreproductively
  adverb
• unreproductiveness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of reproductive

First recorded in 1745–55; re- + productive

Explanation

Anything reproductive has to do with creating babies or other new life. If you get a pair of pet rabbits but soon have twenty, then you know those bunnies are in good reproductive health. Congratulations. When animals have babies, they reproduce. Anything related to reproduction can be described as reproductive. There is sexual and asexual reproduction — dandelions that pop up all over the yard are being reproductive all by themselves. Scientists who study reproductive habits of animals analyze how they bear offspring. Fertility doctors help people who are having reproductive problems. When people fight for reproductive rights, they want the freedom to decide when and how they have babies.

Example Sentences

Nearly 4% of users who reported side effects also described reproductive symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, intermenstrual bleeding, and heavy bleeding.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

At Carafem, a reproductive healthcare company that prescribes abortion medication via telehealth in 19 states and D.C., providers have offered the option of misoprostol-only abortions since 2020.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

The change reflects a broader scientific understanding of the condition as a multisystem disorder that affects metabolic, hormonal, reproductive and mental health — not simply a condition defined by ovarian cysts.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

Hantavirus cases can occur year-round, but the peak seasons in the United States are the spring and summer, which coincide with the reproductive seasons for deer mice.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Geographic isolation leads to genetic isolation, and to eventual reproductive isolation.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee