omnivore

noun

om·​ni·​vore ˈäm-ni-ˌvȯr 

: one that is omnivorous

Bears and coyotes are omnivores.

Did you know?

The Classic Omnivore

Human beings seem to be classic omnivores. Originally living as "hunter-gatherers", we hunted and fished when possible but also gathered nuts, berries, fruits, seeds, and roots for much of our diet. We're physically well suited for both tasks; our hands are perfect for picking things, and our build is ideal for running down even the fastest game animals because of our great stamina. Some 10,000 years ago humans began practicing agriculture involving both animals and plants. The other omnivorous mammals include chimpanzees, pigs, opossums, porcupines, bears, raccoons, chipmunks, mice and rats, and skunks. But even many mammals classed as carnivorous turn out to be capable of shifting to plant foods when necessary.

Examples of omnivore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Research shows that vegetarians and vegans have lower muscle creatine stores than omnivores (meat eaters).17 Milk is a poor source of creatine. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

However, vegan children typically have a healthier lipid profile than omnivores, whereas the effects of a vegetarian diet on cardiovascular health vary. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

But no discussion of a large omnivore that can grow in excess of 500 pounds can stop at policy. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 23 June 2025

Cranes, by contrast, are omnivores that still seek out wetlands with more habitat diversity. —Anne Readel, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin omnivora, neuter plural of omnivorus, from Latin

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for omnivore

• caregiver
• deliver
• downriver
• lawgiver
• upriver
• giver
• liver
• livre
• quiver
• river
• shiver
• sliver

Kids Definition

omnivore

noun

om·​ni·​vore ˈäm-ni-ˌvō(ə)r 

-ˌvȯ(ə)r

: one that is omnivorous