roadkill

noun

road·​kill ˈrōd-ˌkil 

1

: the remains of an animal that has been killed on a road by a motor vehicle

2

: one that falls victim to intense competition

political roadkill

road-killed

ˈrōd-ˌkild 

adjective

Examples of roadkill in a Sentence

There is a lot of roadkill along the highway.

Recent Examples on the Web

An armadillo found a roadkill in Southwest Ohio could be a historic first for the state. — Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2026

Look for the Mother While skunks often venture off to find food for their young, in some sad situations, the mother may be found nearby as roadkill, says Single. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 28 Aug. 2026

And Bobby also suggested an appetizer featuring his favorite cut of male raccoon roadkill. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 July 2026

The Secretary of Health and Human Services has had a lifelong fascination for animals ranging from exotic creatures to roadkill. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for roadkill

• anthill
• backfill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill
• dunghill
• foothill
• fulfil
• fulfill
• goodwill