animal rights

plural noun

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

Examples of animal rights 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.
The move was welcomed by animal rights campaigners who saw it as a positive step towards a more modern monarchy. Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 14 June 2026 Those deaths had prompted animal rights groups to call for a criminal investigation into the business. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 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 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 See All Example Sentences for animal rights

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of animal rights was in 1845

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Cite this Entry

“Animal rights.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animal%20rights. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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