insectivore

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​vore in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvȯr 

1

: any of an order (Insectivora) of small usually nocturnal mammals (such as moles, shrews, and hedgehogs) that feed mainly on insects

2

: an insectivorous plant or animal

Examples of insectivore in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many of the bird species migrating through the Midwest are insectivores, living in the neotropics in winter to have food for survival. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

The lemurs and tenrecs of Madagascar, for example, are descended from primates and insectivores that used to be much more widespread. — Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025

And common nighthawks and chimney sweeps, both aerial insectivores, have seen dramatic changes in habitat and diet availability. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025

Moreover, in every case, the ancestors were either insectivores or carnivores, with insect-eaters making the shift about three times more often than carnivores. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Insectivora, from Latin insectum + -vorus -vorous

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insectivore

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

Kids Definition

insectivore

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​vore in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvō(ə)r 

-ˌvȯ(ə)r

1

: any of an order of small mammals (as the moles, shrews, and hedgehogs) that are mostly insect-eating and active at night

2

: an insect-eating plant or animal

Medical Definition

insectivore

noun

in·​sec·​ti·​vore in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvō(ə)r, -ˌvȯ(ə)r 

: an insectivorous plant or animals