vertebrate

noun

Definition of vertebratenext
as in animal
biology an animal that has a backbone

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of vertebrate In the tropics, food webs are less unidirectional—vertebrates that normally eat invertebrates such as insects and arachnids can easily find the tables turned. — Jake Buehler, Scientific American, 21 May 2026 During the Early Devonian Period, life on land was still relatively new, and many of the ancestors of modern vertebrates had yet to emerge from the water. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 Even more frightening, the percentage exceeded 50% in many groups, including insects, terrestrial vertebrates, and marine species. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 June 2026 In his lab, which studies the exchange of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide between vertebrates and their environments, Damsgaard’s team used microsensors to measure oxygen levels in the retinas of zebra finches, pigeons, and chickens. — Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for vertebrate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vertebrate
  1. animal
  2. creature
  3. critter
Noun
  • Open Tuesday through Saturday, the museum holds an extensive collection of animal specimens, a lab, and classroom space.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 July 2026
  • Since 1996, organizers said the races have raised nearly $300,000 for the animal shelter.
    — Heather McRea, Oc Register, 7 July 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • After all, the cove belongs to the sea, the habitat of the creatures in question.
    — U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2026
  • Or perhaps more accurately, like a gleeful romp with friends through a haunted-house attraction at a regional fair, with various creepy creatures leaping suddenly out of the darkness.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 2 July 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • Be sure to use lidded containers for trash and animal feed, and find other ways to attract birds while keeping other critters away.
    — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 1 July 2026
  • In the best comedy ever inspired by a rando holiday, Bill Murray refuses to let a bucktoothed critter upstage him.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of critter

Browse Nearby Words

vertebral columns
vertebrate
vertebrates
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Cite this Entry

“Vertebrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vertebrate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vertebrate

Nglish: Translation of vertebrate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vertebrate

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