WordValecarnivore
an animal that feeds on other animals
In more detail
1. (noun) an animal that eats meat
2. (noun) a person who eats meat
Examples
- Lions and tigers are carnivores.
- As a carnivore, she prefers eating meat over vegetables.
How to use carnivore
As a noun referring to animals, carnivore is the standard technical and everyday term for any creature that primarily eats meat. When applied to humans, it is less common than 'meat-eater' in everyday speech but is used factually without moral judgment, though it may appear in the context of the 'carnivore diet' trend where it can carry positive connotations for adherents.
Common phrases
- obligate carnivore
- carnivore diet
- apex carnivore
- large carnivore
- carnivorous animal
Synonyms
meat-eater · flesh-eater
Opposites
herbivore · vegetarian
Word family
carnivorous (adjective) · carnivorously (adverb) · carnivory (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse carnivore with omnivore (animals that eat both meat and plants) or incorrectly assume it applies only to wild animals rather than pets or livestock.
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