noun

omnivore

/ˈɑːmnɪvɔːr/ · say it: AHM·nuh·vor

an animal that eats both plants and animals

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) an animal that eats both plants and meat

2. (noun) a person who eats all types of food, including both plants and meat

Examples

1. Bears are omnivores that eat fish, berries, and small animals.
2. As an omnivore, she enjoys vegetables, fruits, and chicken.

How to use omnivore

Omnivore is used in both biological and dietary contexts to describe organisms that consume multiple food sources. It is common in scientific writing, nutrition discussions, and general conversation, and carries no judgment unlike terms such as 'picky eater' or 'carnivore.' The term can refer to animals or humans with equal neutrality.

Common phrases

true omnivore
facultative omnivore
omnivore diet
become an omnivore
humans are omnivores

Synonyms

meat-eater · non-selective eater

Opposites

herbivore · carnivore · vegetarian

Word family

omnivorous (adjective) · omnivory (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse omnivore with omnivorous; omnivore is the noun (the animal itself) while omnivorous is the adjective describing the eating habit or the animal's nature.

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