herbivore

noun

her·​bi·​vore ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌvȯr How to pronounce herbivore (audio)
Synonyms of herbivore
: 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.
The same process occurs in the radish’s spicier cousins, and the resulting chemicals are thought to help deter herbivores and pests. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Aug. 2026 But Carcache wonders whether the vine might also deter herbivores, offering some protection to its host. — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 That shape could be consistent with tracks left by either theropods — a group that includes meat-eating dinosaurs — or ornithopods, which were bipedal herbivores. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026 Hippos, which are herbivores, are the third-largest land animal after elephants and white rhinos and can weigh as much as 8,000 pounds. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for herbivore

See All Rhymes for herbivore

Browse Nearby Words

herbivora
herbivore
herbivorous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Herbivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbivore. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on herbivore

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for herbivore

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about herbivore

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