cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ 

-ˌbə-

: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person (such as a student) often done anonymously

cyberbully

ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē 

-ˌbə-

noun or verb

Examples of cyberbullying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The fears are plenty: cyberbullying, online predators, harassment, exposure to inappropriate content, and even excessive spending. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 2 Apr. 2025

The school fight videos then often spark new cycles of student cyberbullying, verbal aggression and violence. —The Learning Network, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

After prompting a wave of memes and mockery, TF1 pulled the Seven to Eight episode from circulation to prevent further cyberbullying. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Aside from exposing them to potential dangers like inappropriate content, cyberbullying and online predators, children could unexpectedly offer private information to unknown sources. —Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 9 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cyberbullying

• bullying

Kids Definition

cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˈbu̇l-ē-iŋ 

: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person often done anonymously

cyberbully

-ˈbu̇l-ē 

noun or verb

Legal Definition

cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ, -ˌbə- 

: the verbal bullying of someone (as a classmate) through the use of often anonymous electronic communication (as online posts or text messages) see also cyberstalking