Definition of cannibal
: one that eats the flesh of its own kind
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of cannibal from the Web
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Against all odds, some of From the Ashes‘ outsider freaks, cannibals and other irradiated mutants have held onto their previous humanity.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cannibal'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of cannibal
New Latin Canibalis Carib, from Spanish Caníbal, from Taino Caniba, of Cariban origin; akin to Carib kariʔna Carib, person
First Known Use: 1553
CANNIBAL Defined for English Language Learners
cannibal
playDefinition of cannibal for English Language Learners
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: a person who eats the flesh of human beings or an animal that eats its own kind
CANNIBAL Defined for Kids
cannibal
playDefinition of cannibal for Students
1 : a human being who eats human flesh
2 : an animal that eats other animals of its own kind
Medical Dictionary
cannibal
playMedical Definition of cannibal
: one that eats the flesh of its own kind
cannibal
adjectiveLearn More about cannibal
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Spanish Central: Translation of cannibal Nglish: Translation of cannibal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cannibal for Arabic speakers
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