omnivore

noun

om·​ni·​vore ˈäm-ni-ˌvȯr How to pronounce omnivore (audio)
: one that is omnivorous
Bears and coyotes are omnivores.

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The Classic Omnivore

Human beings seem to be classic omnivores. Originally living as "hunter-gatherers", we hunted and fished when possible but also gathered nuts, berries, fruits, seeds, and roots for much of our diet. We're physically well suited for both tasks; our hands are perfect for picking things, and our build is ideal for running down even the fastest game animals because of our great stamina. Some 10,000 years ago humans began practicing agriculture involving both animals and plants. The other omnivorous mammals include chimpanzees, pigs, opossums, porcupines, bears, raccoons, chipmunks, mice and rats, and skunks. But even many mammals classed as carnivorous turn out to be capable of shifting to plant foods when necessary.

Examples of omnivore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Card-carrying herbivores, seed-eaters, and omnivores switched to a cicada-heavy diet during a brood emergence in Washington, D.C., in 2021, according to Martha Weiss, a professor of biology at George Washington University. Sarah Henry, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025 But slugs can be beneficial omnivores that feed on algae, fungi, decomposing organic matter and plants. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025 Research shows that vegetarians and vegans have lower muscle creatine stores than omnivores (meat eaters).17 Milk is a poor source of creatine. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025 However, vegan children typically have a healthier lipid profile than omnivores, whereas the effects of a vegetarian diet on cardiovascular health vary. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for omnivore

Word History

Etymology

New Latin omnivora, neuter plural of omnivorus, from Latin

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of omnivore was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Omnivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omnivore. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

omnivore

noun
om·​ni·​vore ˈäm-ni-ˌvō(ə)r How to pronounce omnivore (audio)
-ˌvȯ(ə)r
: one that is omnivorous

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