herbivore

noun

her·​bi·​vore ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌvȯr How to pronounce herbivore (audio)
: 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.
Oxpeckers offer great grooming services in return for a nutritious diet of fleas and dead skin from herbivores. Scott Travers, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 The team believes that the sauropods ate the charcoal to detoxify stomach contents, since ferns can be toxic to herbivores. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 27 Nov. 2024 Known as mega herbivores that mow the parks and create inroads for other herbivores, rhinos are also good for establishing forests by ingesting seeds and spreading them across the parks in their dung. arkansasonline.com, 23 Sep. 2024 As herbivores, the animals’ diet of seagrasses and algae gives their fat a greenish color. Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near herbivore

Cite this Entry

“Herbivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbivore. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.

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

herbivore

noun
: a plant-eating animal
especially : ungulate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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