animal rights

plural noun

: rights (as to fair and humane treatment) regarded as belonging fundamentally to all animals

animal rightist

-ˈrī-tist 

noun

Examples of animal rights in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Democratic Primary Two state legislators, Shannon Bird, a moderate, and Manny Rutinel, a progressive former animal rights activist, are vying to represent the Democratic Party in the highly competitive general election. — New York Times, 1 July 2026

Hermès has also been criticized by animal rights groups such as PETA for using animal skins from crocodile farms and similar facilities in its handbags and other items. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026

Continuing her parents' commitment to vegetarianism and animal rights, her eponymous label is known as much for its emphasis on sustainability and animal-friendly practices as for its chic designs. — John Russell, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

As a result, the concept of animal rights was non-existent and people were free to treat animals like any other inanimate property. — Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for animal rights

• adipocytes
• amalekites
• amphibolites
• electrolytes
• erythrocytes
• evaporites
• gametophytes
• granulocytes
• hepatocytes
• hermaphrodites
• histiocytes
• melanocytes