WordValeherbivore
an animal that feeds on plants
In more detail
1. (noun) an animal that eats plants but not meat
2. (noun) a person who does not eat meat; a vegetarian
Examples
- 1. Cows and rabbits are herbivores.
- 2. As a herbivore, she only eats vegetables and fruits.
How to use herbivore
Herbivore is primarily used in zoological and biological contexts to classify animals by diet, though it is occasionally used informally for people who don't eat meat. The term is more precise than vegetarian when referring to animals, since some vegetarians may eat dairy or eggs whereas true herbivores eat only plant matter.
Common phrases
- strict herbivore
- obligate herbivore
- facultative herbivore
- herbivore diet
- large herbivore
Synonyms
vegetarian · plant-eater · phytophage
Opposites
carnivore · omnivore
Word family
herbivorous (adjective) · herbivory (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse herbivore with omnivore or mistakenly use it as a direct synonym for vegetarian without recognizing its primary biological classification function.
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