cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ 

-ˌbə-

: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person (such as a student) often done anonymously

cyberbully

ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē 

-ˌbə-

noun or verb

Examples of cyberbullying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This aggressiveness can take the form of cyberbullying, and in 2024, the American Association of Colleges and Universities reported that 22 percent of college students reported being a victim of online bullying. —Eric Wood, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

However, according to federal data, cyberbullying has become slightly more common than traditional bullying. —Sara Chernikoff, USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2024

Yeoh’s Wicked co-star Erivo earlier in the festival day also discussed the film’s success and decried the cyberbullying of co-star Ariana Grande. —Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024

Cherie Jimenez is sharing her experience with cyberbullying. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˈbu̇l-ē-iŋ 

: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person often done anonymously

cyberbully

-ˈbu̇l-ē 

noun or verb

Legal Definition

cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ, -ˌbə- 

: 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