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.
Though variable, the Australopithecus ratios were more similar to those of herbivores, ultimately suggesting that these human ancestors depended mostly on a vegetarian diet. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025 The Oxfordshire footprints include a mix of footprints from both herbivores and at least one carnivore. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025 Large herbivores, such as bison and elk, have lived continuously in Yellowstone National Park for more than two millennia, a new study has confirmed. Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024 California ground squirrels have typically been considered herbivores or granivores, eating mostly plants and seeds. Julianna Bragg, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024 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 30 Jan. 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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