self-feed

[ self-feed, self- ]

verb (used with object)

, Agriculture.

, self-fed, self-feed·ing.

1. to provide a supply of food to (animals) so as to allow them to eat as much and as often as they want. Compare hand-feed ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of self-feed¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

But there’s also no reason to linger too long with bland cereals and mushes: Research shows that most babies have the motor skills to grasp foods and self-feed by 7 to 8 months, if not sooner.

From Washington Post

"From about eight months a child can self-feed," Black says.

From US News

Before the surgeries, however, temporary staples held the pelican’s pouch together that, within a few days, allowed the bird to self-feed on sardines.

From Los Angeles Times

Mixed with either buttermilk or kefir along with some bread crumbs, an egg, baking soda and some seasoning, the salmon is transformed into a soft, spongy pancake that older infants can self-feed.

From US News

Other options are homemade baked goods with no added sugar that contain peanut butter; quick cooking oats mixed with peanut butter and mashed banana can be baked into a soft "cookie" that older infants can self-feed.

From US News