herbivore

noun

her·​bi·​vore ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌvȯr How to pronounce herbivore (audio)
: a herbivorous animal

Examples of herbivore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Through photosynthesis, the particles of light power a cellular reaction that manufactures chemical energy (in the form of sugars), which is then passed around the food web in a complex dance of herbivores, predators, scavengers, decomposers and more. Quanta Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025 Six episodes centre on a variety of different dinosaurs, from terrifying carnivores to docile herbivores. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 Researchers suggest that a rinderpest epidemic (an infectious viral disease that affects cattle) had decimated local herbivore populations, leaving them with fewer prey options. Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025 One stretch shows the carnivore and herbivore tracks crossing, raising questions about whether and how the two were interacting. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for herbivore 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Herbivora, group of mammals, from neuter plural of herbivorus

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of herbivore was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near herbivore

Cite this Entry

“Herbivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbivore. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

herbivore

noun
her·​bi·​vore ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌvō(ə)r How to pronounce herbivore (audio)
-ˌvȯ(ə)r
: a plant-eating animal

Medical Definition

herbivore

noun
: a plant-eating animal
especially : ungulate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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