feeder

word

Definition

A feeder is a container or device used to supply food to animals, especially birds, pets, or livestock. It can also refer to something or someone that feeds into or supplies something else.

Usage & Nuances

'Feeder' is most common for animals (bird feeder, pet feeder). In technical contexts, it refers to a device supplying material to a machine. Can also describe people/things that feed into a larger system (e.g., feeder school). Not usually used for people who feed animals.

Example Sentences

We put seeds in the bird feeder every morning.

basic

Please clean the cat's feeder after dinner.

basic

The farm uses an automatic feeder for the cows.

basic

There were ten birds fighting over the feeder outside my window.

natural

The factory has a special feeder that keeps the machine running smoothly.

natural

My old school was a feeder for the local university.

natural