breast-feed

[ brest-feed ]

verb (used with object)

, breast-fed, breast-feed·ing.

1. to nurse (a baby) at the breast; suckle.

verb (used without object)

, breast-fed, breast-feed·ing.

1. (of a baby) to nurse.
2. to nurse a baby.

breast-feed

verb

1. to feed (a baby) with milk from the breast; suckle

Derived Forms

• ˈbreast-ˌfeeding, noun
• ˈbreast-ˌfed, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of breast-feed¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

“I did breast-feed. I made a ton of milk. I was lucky in that way,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Pregnancy was hard for me but breast-feeding came really easily. The reason that I’m bringing this up is because I feel like there has been so much judgment and stigma in our culture around how people choose to feed their babies. Some women really want to breast-feed and can’t for whatever reason. Some women have double mastectomies. Some men in same sex couples cannot have easy access to breast milk.”

From Los Angeles Times

For us, as in America, it’s known to be healthy to breast-feed.

From Literature

He’s proud, he refused to breast-feed.

From Literature

“I’ll give you that cow! And I’ll give you that other one, too, if you breast-feed!”

From Literature

Related Words

• cradle
• feed
• nourish