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

Phones carry cyberbullying, group-chat disputes, read receipts and the pressure to remain constantly available. — Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

In Asia, Indonesia began barring children under 16 from making accounts on major social media and gaming platforms in March, citing risks including pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and addiction. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Fogarty says other common fears include friendship, bullying (particularly cyberbullying), getting lost in a new school, and teacher struggles. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 31 July 2026

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

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