breast-feed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal, primarily used in healthcare, parenting, and general discourse about childcare.
Quick answer
What does “breast-feed” mean?
To feed a baby or young child with milk directly from a mother's breast.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To feed a baby or young child with milk directly from a mother's breast.
Can extend metaphorically to the act of providing fundamental sustenance, care, or essential knowledge, often in a nurturing context. The hyphenated form 'breast-feed' is the verb; 'breastfeed' is also accepted.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Hyphenation is more variable and often omitted in both ('breastfeed'), though style guides may differ. 'Nurse' is a less common, slightly old-fashioned synonym more likely in American English.
Connotations
Neutral and clinical in both varieties. In public discourse, it can be a topic of social/political discussion regarding public feeding.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in relevant contexts (parenting, medicine). The term is universally understood.
Grammar
How to Use “breast-feed” in a Sentence
[Subject: mother] breast-feed [Object: baby/child][Subject: mother] breast-feed [Object: baby/child] [Adjunct: for six months][Passive: The baby] was breast-fed.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breast-feed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new mum decided to breast-feed her daughter for the first year.
- Many NHS guidelines encourage mothers to breast-feed where possible.
American English
- She plans to breastfeed exclusively for six months.
- The hospital offers classes on how to successfully breastfeed.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb. The related adverbial concept uses 'by breastfeeding'.]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb. The related adverbial concept uses 'by breastfeeding'.]
adjective
British English
- She is a breastfeeding mother. (Note: 'breastfeeding' as adjective is typically one word)
- The clinic provided a breast-feeding consultation.
American English
- They are a breastfeeding-friendly company. (one word)
- She sought breastfeeding support from a lactation consultant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in industries related to baby products or workplace policy (e.g., 'breast-feeding breaks').
Academic
Common in medical, public health, sociological, and anthropological research on infant nutrition and maternal health.
Everyday
Common in discussions among parents, family, and in general advice contexts.
Technical
Standard term in paediatrics, midwifery, and lactation consultancy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “breast-feed”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “breast-feed”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breast-feed”
- Misspelling as one word 'breastfeed' is generally acceptable, but the hyphenated form is often preferred in formal writing. 'Breast feed' as two separate words is typically an error.
- Incorrect tense: 'breast-feeded' instead of the irregular 'breast-fed'.
- Using it transitively without an object where one is needed (e.g., 'She breast-feeds' is fine; 'She breast-feeds the' is incomplete).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Breast-feed' (hyphenated) is often preferred in formal writing and British English style guides, while 'breastfeed' (one word) is very common, especially in American English. The key is consistency.
They are synonyms. 'Breast-feed' is more direct and clinical. 'Nurse' is slightly gentler and more old-fashioned, and is somewhat more common in American English. In a medical context, 'breast-feed' is unambiguous.
Yes. For example: 'The twins were breast-fed for eight months.' This construction shifts focus to the child/recipient of the action.
The standard noun is 'breastfeeding' (usually one word). Example: 'Breastfeeding has many health benefits.'
To feed a baby or young child with milk directly from a mother's breast.
Breast-feed is usually neutral to formal, primarily used in healthcare, parenting, and general discourse about childcare. in register.
Breast-feed: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɛst fiːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɛst ˌfid/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific verb]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the two key components: 'BREAST' (the source) + 'FEED' (the action). It's a compound verb describing a very specific type of feeding.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A SOURCE (of nourishment). BREASTFEEDING IS PROVIDING FUNDAMENTAL SUSTENANCE (can be extended to ideas, e.g., 'The movement was breast-fed by grassroots activism.').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the standard past tense form of 'breast-feed'?