cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
-ˌbə-
: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person (such as a student) often done anonymously
cyberbully
ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
-ˌbə-
noun or verb

Examples of cyberbullying 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.
Not the group-chat cyberbullying! — Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 June 2026 The city also has active mental health and well-being strategies in place, the report noted, along with a formal plan to address hate speech and cyberbullying. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2026 Advocates for cellphone bans say such prohibitions will help combat cyberbullying and mental health illnesses in youth. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 8 June 2026 Governments backing such measures point to a growing body of research linking certain patterns of social media use to mental-health problems, body-image concerns, cyberbullying and sleep disruption among young people. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cyberbullying

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyberbullying was in 1998

Rhymes for cyberbullying

See All Rhymes for cyberbullying

Browse Nearby Words

cyberattack
cyberbullying
cybercafe
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cyberbullying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyberbullying. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cyberbullying

noun
cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˈbu̇l-ē-iŋ How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person often done anonymously
cyberbully
-ˈbu̇l-ē How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
noun or verb

Legal Definition

cyberbullying

noun
cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ, -ˌbə- How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
: the verbal bullying of someone (as a classmate) through the use of often anonymous electronic communication (as online posts or text messages) see also cyberstalking
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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