insectivore

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​vore in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvȯr 

1

: any of an order (Insectivora) of small usually nocturnal mammals (such as moles, shrews, and hedgehogs) that feed mainly on insects

2

: an insectivorous plant or animal

Examples of insectivore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Moles often get blamed for vole damage, but moles are insectivores that make tunnels and mounds to follow insects, while voles are herbivores that eat anything from edibles to ornamental plants. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 June 2026

Many of the bird species migrating through the Midwest are insectivores, living in the neotropics in winter to have food for survival. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

And common nighthawks and chimney sweeps, both aerial insectivores, have seen dramatic changes in habitat and diet availability. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025

Moreover, in every case, the ancestors were either insectivores or carnivores, with insect-eaters making the shift about three times more often than carnivores. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Insectivora, from Latin insectum + -vorus -vorous

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insectivore

• caregiver
• deliver
• downriver
• lawgiver
• upriver
• giver
• liver
• livre
• quiver
• river
• shiver
• sliver

Kids Definition

insectivore

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​vore in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvō(ə)r 

-ˌvȯ(ə)r

1

: any of an order of small mammals (as the moles, shrews, and hedgehogs) that are mostly insect-eating and active at night

2

: an insect-eating plant or animal

Medical Definition

insectivore

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​vore in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvō(ə)r, -ˌvȯ(ə)r 

: an insectivorous plant or animals