cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
-ˌbə-
: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person (such as a student) often done anonymously
cyberbully noun or verb

Examples of cyberbullying 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.
The acceptance of smartphones in schools has fueled cyberbullying, conflict among students, and had a cumulative, enduring, and deleterious effect on adolescents’ abilities to focus and apply themselves. Jonathan Haidt, Denver Post, 17 July 2025 The best way to discourage cyberbullying and harassment from fans is for reality TV shows to model positive behavior through filming and production, and to communicate that message throughout the season and outside the show, Oppliger said. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 3 July 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for cyberbullying

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyberbullying was in 1998

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Cite this Entry

“Cyberbullying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyberbullying. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cyberbullying

noun
cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˈbu̇l-ē-iŋ How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person often done anonymously
cyberbully noun or verb

Legal Definition

cyberbullying

noun
cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ, -ˌbə- How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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