herbivore

noun

her·​bi·​vore ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌvȯr How to pronounce herbivore (audio)
Synonyms of herbivorenext
: 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.
Stay at least 25 yards, or about two school buses, away from herbivores like moose, elk, deer, and bison. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 The key idea behind a trophic cascade is that predators regulate herbivores, which, in turn, leads to changes in plant communities. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 Weed Control Because gophers are herbivores, the less vegetation there is around to attract them, the better. — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 Apr. 2026 The bloody red shrimp are herbivores when young, feeding on phytoplankton, and then add carnivorous activity as adults, adding zooplankton to their diet. — Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 July 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

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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 7 Jul. 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

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