cadaver

noun

ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈda-vər How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
: a dead body
especially : one intended for dissection
cadaveric
kə-ˈdav-rik How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
-ˈda-və-
adjective

Examples of cadaver in a Sentence

medical students who train by using cadavers
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.
Additionally, officers have started using cadaver dogs to search for Decker, the department previously confirmed to Fox News Digital. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 Despite extensive searches involving local and federal agencies, including the deployment of cadaver dogs and aerial surveillance, Decker has not been located. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025 Two days earlier, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison told USA TODAY a cadaver dog would be deployed into the mountains to join the hunt. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 26 June 2025 On Friday, June 20, additional resources, including cadaver dogs, were brought in to assist. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cadaver

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from cadere to fall

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cadaver was circa 1500

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cadaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cadaver. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cadaver

noun
ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈdav-ər How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
: a dead body especially of a person : corpse

Medical Definition

cadaver

noun
ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈdav-ər How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
plural cadavers also cadavera -ə-rə How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
: a dead body
specifically : one intended for use in medical education or research
cadaveric adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cadaver

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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