omnivore

noun

om·​ni·​vore ˈäm-ni-ˌvȯr How to pronounce omnivore (audio)
: one that is omnivorous
Bears and coyotes are omnivores.

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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
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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 There is also the consideration that some people may completely change their diet from omnivore to vegetarian or vegetarian to omnivore. Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025 But rarely have its contingency plans had to deal with stray omnivores at the rural plant. Reuters, CNN Money, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for omnivore

Word History

Etymology

New Latin omnivora, neuter plural of omnivorus, from Latin

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of omnivore was in 1871

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Cite this Entry

“Omnivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omnivore. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

omnivore

noun
om·​ni·​vore ˈäm-ni-ˌvō(ə)r How to pronounce omnivore (audio)
-ˌvȯ(ə)r
: one that is omnivorous

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