cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ 

-ˌbə-

: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person (such as a student) often done anonymously

cyberbully

ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē 

-ˌbə-

noun or verb

Examples of cyberbullying in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aside from exposing them to potential dangers like inappropriate content, cyberbullying and online predators, children could unexpectedly offer private information to unknown sources. —Jann Blackstone, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025

Teens commonly described negative experiences involving social drama, cyberbullying and privacy violations. —Abdulmalik Alluhidan, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025

No critique of modern-day South Korean society would arguably be complete without at least mentioning celebrity suicides and cyberbullying, which the show addresses at length towards the end of Episode 5. —Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

Also monitor internet usage, as social media and cyberbullying can be huge stressors for adolescents and teenagers. 6. —Corinne Schuman, Parents, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cyberbullying

• bullying

Kids Definition

cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˈbu̇l-ē-iŋ 

: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person often done anonymously

cyberbully

-ˈbu̇l-ē 

noun or verb

Legal Definition

cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ, -ˌbə- 

: the verbal bullying of someone (as a classmate) through the use of often anonymous electronic communication (as online posts or text messages) see also cyberstalking