breeder
UK: ˈbriːdə | US: ˈbriːdər
n. a person or animal that breeds offspring
n. a person who raises plants or animals for specific traits
n. (slang, derogatory) a person perceived as promoting undesirable social or cultural trends
breeder = breed<to produce offspring> + er<agent noun suffix>
- breed: From Old English brēdan ("to nourish, bring up"), related to brōd ("brood"). Evolved to mean "produce offspring" by the 16th century.
- er: A productive English suffix denoting "one who does X," from Old English -ere (agentive).
Etymology Origin:
The word breeder emerged in Middle English, combining the verb breed (rooted in nurturing/procreation) with -er to specify "one who breeds." Initially neutral, it later specialized in agriculture (e.g., livestock/plant breeding) and acquired slang usage in the 20th century.
The dog breeder won awards for her champion bloodline.
Selective breeding by wheat breeders improved crop yields.
Some activists criticize "breeders" for overpopulation concerns.
The zoo hired a penguin breeder to support conservation.
Traditional horse breeders preserve rare breeds.