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 prosecutor’s office also separately opened an investigation into possible cyberbullying targeting Bagayoko due to his skin color. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026

May Help Kids With Bullying Research published in JAMA Pediatrics based on a survey of nearly 19,000 students found clear associations between cyberbullying and anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. —Erica Jackson Curran, Parents, 13 Mar. 2026

From exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and most importantly addiction. —ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026

Some lawmakers said Snapchat is often the platform of choice for cyberbullying and online exploitation. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 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