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

The goal was to curb risks associated with heavy media use, among them disrupted sleep, online safety, cyberbullying and physical inactivity. — Gabriel E. Hales, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

Some lawmakers said Snapchat is often the platform of choice for cyberbullying and online exploitation. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026

Governments backing such measures point to a growing body of research linking certain patterns of social media use to mental-health problems, body-image concerns, cyberbullying and sleep disruption among young people. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026

Not the group-chat cyberbullying! — Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 June 2026

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