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
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Beside a feminist critique of his hyper masculine public persona, Hemingway has drawn criticism from the animal rights movement for his praise of bullfighters. ABC News, 6 July 2026 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 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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