omnivore

noun

om·​ni·​vore ˈäm-ni-ˌvȯr 

: one that is omnivorous

Bears and coyotes are omnivores.

Did you know?

The Classic Omnivore

Human beings seem to be classic omnivores. Originally living as "hunter-gatherers", we hunted and fished when possible but also gathered nuts, berries, fruits, seeds, and roots for much of our diet. We're physically well suited for both tasks; our hands are perfect for picking things, and our build is ideal for running down even the fastest game animals because of our great stamina. Some 10,000 years ago humans began practicing agriculture involving both animals and plants. The other omnivorous mammals include chimpanzees, pigs, opossums, porcupines, bears, raccoons, chipmunks, mice and rats, and skunks. But even many mammals classed as carnivorous turn out to be capable of shifting to plant foods when necessary.

Examples of omnivore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Turkeys are omnivores and have a broad diet, says Corrao. —Anne Readel, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Nov. 2024

Then reserve it at your local library or buy it from Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble or Bookshop. 29 The Last Samurai Helen DeWitt 2000 Sibylla, an American expat in Britain, is a brilliant scholar: omnivore, polyglot, interdisciplinary theorist — all of it. —New York Times, 8 July 2024

And while vegetarians will find dozens of recipes to suit their palate, omnivores aren’t left out: Williamson has incorporated proteins in dishes like corn and salt cod chowder. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2024

Bears are often classified as carnivores, although black and brown bears are actually omnivores. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin omnivora, neuter plural of omnivorus, from Latin

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

omnivore

noun

om·​ni·​vore ˈäm-ni-ˌvō(ə)r 

-ˌvȯ(ə)r

: one that is omnivorous