reproductive
Americanadjective
-
serving to reproduce.
-
concerned with or pertaining to reproduction.
a reproductive process; reproductive organs.
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing reproductive
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The condition “may involve chromosomes, hormones, reproductive organs or genitals.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 7, 2026
He says fertility units and clinics are typically led by gynaecologists, whose training focuses on female reproductive health, while male fertility can often be treated as a secondary concern.
From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026
He had already lost a heifer with weak lungs and feared future reproductive problems.
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
The hosts try to hold all of it at once as they consider this viral story that sits at the intersection of disability rights and reproductive autonomy.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
Numerous plant mutations affect the reproductive system itself.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.