carcass

noun

car·​cass ˈkär-kəs 

1

: a dead body : corpse

especially : the dressed body of a meat animal

Butchers trimmed the meat from the carcass.

2

: the living, material, or physical body

It was nearly noon when he finally hauled his carcass out of bed.

3

: the decaying or worthless remains of a structure

the carcass of an abandoned automobile

4

: the underlying structure or frame of something (as of a piece of furniture)

Synonyms of carcass

• corpse

Examples of carcass in a Sentence

the rusting carcass of an old truck

the carcass of a squirrel that had been run over

Recent Examples on the Web

However, his subsequent decision to stage a public prank using the carcass signifies a shift in purpose. —Sam Zeveloff, STAT, 9 May 2026

In no time more than a dozen dragons were lunging up at the carcasses, tearing off chunks and lashing out at competing toothy mouths around them. —Craig Stanford, Big Think, 7 May 2026

However, discrepancy is understandable due to the carcass coming ashore deflated, like a big creepy balloon with the air let out. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026

On the other hand, in deep enough water, his carcass would likely fall to the ocean floor and foster a miniature ecosystem for years to come. —Jessica Camille Aguirre, New Yorker, 2 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English carcays, from Anglo-French carcas, carkeis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for carcass

• arcus

Kids Definition

carcass

noun

car·​cass ˈkär-kəs 

: a dead body

especially : the body of a meat animal prepared for market

Medical Definition

carcass

noun

car·​cass ˈkär-kəs 

: a dead body : corpse

especially : the dressed body of a meat animal