megafauna

noun

mega·​fau·​na ˈme-gə-ˌfȯ-nə How to pronounce megafauna (audio)
-ˌfä-
1
: animals (such as bears, bison, or mammoths) of particularly large size
2
: fauna consisting of individuals large enough to be visible to the naked eye
megafaunal adjective

Examples of megafauna in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This multi-molecule strategy is expected to expand understanding of extinct megafauna by providing a full, integrated picture of their biology. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025 At the time that the cut was identified, researchers proposed that the mark proved that First Peoples butchered ancient megafauna. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025 When the Pleistocene megafauna went extinct, the loss contributed to the regional restriction of these plants, since no one was around to spread their seeds. Aditya Reddy Kurre, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025 Weeping delights in the exalted, the sublime, the magnificent — a symphony, a vista, megafauna, even a brilliant dissertation. Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for megafauna

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of megafauna was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Megafauna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/megafauna. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.

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