cannibalism

noun can·ni·bal·ism \ ˈka-nə-bə-ˌli-zəm \

Updated on: 6 May 2018

Definition of cannibalism

1 : the usually ritualistic eating of human flesh by a human being

2 : the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of the same kind

3 : an act of cannibalizing something

—

cannibalistic

play \ˌka-nə-bə-ˈlis-tik\ adjective

See cannibalism defined for kids

Recent Examples of cannibalism from the Web

Scientists have suggested a number of reasons why animals might kill infants of their own species—one of which is cannibalism.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "A Male Orca and Its Mother Worked Together to Kill a Newborn Calf," 27 Mar. 2018
Bush would later learn of horrific war crimes committed against American captives at Chichi Jima, including cannibalism.

— rachel siegel, Washington Post, "‘I thought I was done’: George H.W. Bush faced death at 20 during WWII," 23 Apr. 2018
Later, the Inuit told stories of dying men marching across King William Island, their last days marked by starvation and cannibalism—allegations the British Navy furiously rejected.

— eva holland, Outside Online, "'The Terror' Is a Gory Take on an Arctic Mystery," 22 Mar. 2018
However, someone left cut marks on his bones after his death, possible signs of cannibalism.

— National Geographic, "This Neanderthal Child Grew Up Just Like Us," 21 Sep. 2017
Some of the native tribes desired war with the European explorers; others routinely engaged in human sacrifice and cannibalism.

— jennifer c. braceras, National Review, "The Intellectual Roots of the War against Columbus," 9 Oct. 2017
Osborne reports that similar zigzag cut marks have been found on animal bones and tools in France and cannibalism has been found in other parts of Europe.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "New Analysis Indicates Early Britons Engaged in Ritualistic Cannibalism," 10 Aug. 2017
When he was finally arrested, the extent of his horrific crimes — including cannibalism and necrophilia — shocked the American public.

— steve helling, PEOPLE.com, "Jeffrey Dahmer Victim’s Family Member Speaks Decades After Reign of Terror: ‘The Pain Never Goes Away’," 3 Nov. 2017
That, along with skulls that appear to have been fashioned into drinking cups which were previously discovered at the site, indicates that cannibalism was part of ritual.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "New Analysis Indicates Early Britons Engaged in Ritualistic Cannibalism," 10 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cannibalism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of cannibalism

1796

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Medical Dictionary

cannibalism

noun can·ni·bal·ism \ -bə-ˌliz-əm \

medical Definition of cannibalism

1 : the usually ritualistic eating of human flesh by a human being

2 : the eating of the flesh or the eggs of any animal by its own kind

3 : the pecking and tearing of the live flesh of its own members in a domestic poultry flock — compare pecking order

4 : oral sadism

Learn More about cannibalism

See words that rhyme with cannibalism Spanish Central: Translation of cannibalism Nglish: Translation of cannibalism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cannibalism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cannibalism

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cannibalism

Definition of cannibalism

cannibalistic

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cannibalism

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