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

NHS data doesn't include people who get the pill from pharmacies, or acknowledge that some devices are now prescribed for longer without needing to be replaced, says Jenny Hall, professor of reproductive health at UCL.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Ingredients like BHA and propylparaben may be linked to endocrine disruption that may have reproductive effects and cause cancer.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

The two groups had no remaining social or reproductive ties between them; the last chimp infant with parents from different groups was born in 2015.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

China has moved well beyond rhetoric: childbirth is now effectively free under the insurance system, and reimbursement for assisted reproductive services has been expanding rapidly.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Some mistook cervical infections for cancer and removed a woman’s entire reproductive tract when all she needed was antibiotics.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot