herbivore

noun

Definition of herbivorenext
as in animal
an animal that only eats plants

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of herbivore But the researchers wanted to see whether the markings on the Stegodon bones showed evidence that the hobbits were also hunting the only large-bodied herbivore on the island at the time. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 The bloody red shrimp are herbivores when young, feeding on phytoplankton, and then add carnivorous activity as adults, adding zooplankton to their diet. — Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 July 2026 Moles often get blamed for vole damage, but moles are insectivores that make tunnels and mounds to follow insects, while voles are herbivores that eat anything from edibles to ornamental plants. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 Stay at least 25 yards, or about two school buses, away from herbivores like moose, elk, deer, and bison. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for herbivore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for herbivore
  1. animal
  2. vegetarian
  3. vegan
  4. insectivore
  5. creature
  6. critter
  7. beastie
Noun
  • The animals are safe, but their home took a direct hit that left parts of the zoo unrecognizable.
    — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Without the proper tools on site, animal services had to take it back to the shelter and flood the helmet to flush the snake out.
    — Devon Henderson, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of animal
Noun
  • Whether someone is vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian, or simply loves exploring different cuisines, there is an incredible range of options.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • For one San Antonio mom, vegetarian sushi rolls, with tempeh or edamame serving as the protein, are a go-to for her 14-year-old daughter, Anika.
    — Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of vegetarian
Noun
  • Pendleton’s travel-ready design leans into that ritual with a roll-up board printed in one of the heritage brand’s iconic patterns, reversible wooden pieces, and a vegan leather pouch for toting it around.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Food trucks with a range of choices from burgers and Greek food to vegetarian and vegan options will be on site, while educational staff will be on hand with tutorials and chats, including the 38-foot River Rover mobile museum.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of vegan
Noun
  • Belonging to the same group of mammals as sloths and anteaters, armadillos are voracious insectivores that eat large numbers of beetles, grubs, ants, termites, and other insects, grabbing them with their sticky tongues.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
  • 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
Definition of insectivore
Noun
  • The the world’s largest mountain range and deepest canyon occupy these might waters, but warming waters and habitat destruction have left the ocean‘s creatures struggling.
    — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2026
  • No other compound can unlock as much energy—and any creature that goes without O2 has to make do with less.
    — James Dinneen, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of creature
Noun
  • As Roku’s city council scours the internet to see what the next viral critter might be, observers are already worried that Jimothy’s time is limited.
    — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, use a Bug Blaster hose end sprayer to blast the upper and undersides of the leaves with water and blow the critters away.
    — Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of critter
Noun
  • And when that happens, astronomers will set about studying these new beasties with other eyes on the sky to learn more about them and hopefully understand them.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 24 July 2026
  • There be beasties beyond US Route 93, bigger than my vision could handle.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
Definition of beastie

Browse Nearby Words

herbicides
herbivore
herbivores
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Cite this Entry

“Herbivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/herbivore. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on herbivore

Nglish: Translation of herbivore for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about herbivore

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