herbivore

noun

her·​bi·​vore ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌvȯr How to pronounce herbivore (audio)
: a herbivorous animal

Examples of herbivore 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.
An April 2025 study in Frontiers in Biogeography takes another look at these extinct herbivores, which were wiped out by human hunting during the last Ice Age between around 50,000 and 34,000 years ago. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025 Stunning stat: The invasive Lantana camara has entangled 300,000 square kilometers of India's forests, diminishing food sources for herbivores. Shafaq Patel, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 Despite their intimidating size, elephant birds were likely herbivores, browsing on fruits, leaves, and low-lying plants. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 Voles, which are herbivores, construct surface or underground runways in areas of heavy ground cover. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for herbivore

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Herbivora, group of mammals, from neuter plural of herbivorus

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of herbivore was in 1854

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Herbivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/herbivore. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

herbivore

noun
her·​bi·​vore ˈ(h)ər-bə-ˌvō(ə)r How to pronounce herbivore (audio)
-ˌvȯ(ə)r
: a plant-eating animal

Medical Definition

herbivore

noun
: a plant-eating animal
especially : ungulate
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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