cannibalism

noun

can·​ni·​bal·​ism ˈka-nə-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce cannibalism (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of cannibalism in a Sentence

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.
Created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, Showtime’s premier cannibalism dramedy is still looking to break in its trophy case. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 June 2025 This cosmic cannibalism causes blasts of light that can outshine the combined light of every star in the host galaxy of the TDE, alerting scientists to a gory stellar death. Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 May 2025 Neither Armie Hammer’s alleged cannibalism nor his alleged comeback podcast can deter me from my love for this movie or the book it’s based on. Emily Temple may 30, Literary Hub, 30 May 2025 Come for the cannibalism, stay for the mind control and shifting allegiances. Caitlin Starling, People.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cannibalism

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cannibalism was in 1634

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cannibalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannibalism. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cannibalism

noun
can·​ni·​bal·​ism ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce cannibalism (audio)
1
: the eating of human flesh by a human being
2
: the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of the same kind
cannibalistic adjective

Medical Definition

cannibalism

noun
can·​ni·​bal·​ism -bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce cannibalism (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on cannibalism

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