carnivorous

[kahr-niv-er-uhs]

adjective

1. flesh-eating.

   A dog is a carnivorous animal.

   Synonyms: predacious, predatory

2. of the carnivores.

carnivorous

/ kɑːˈnɪvərəs /

adjective

1. (esp of animals) feeding on flesh

2. (of plants such as the pitcher plant and sundew) able to trap and digest insects and other small animals

3. of or relating to the Carnivora

4. informal,  aggressively ambitious or reactionary

Other Word Forms

• carnivorousness noun
• carnivorously adverb
• carnivorism noun
• noncarnivorous adjective
• noncarnivorously adverb
• noncarnivorousness noun
• uncarnivorous adjective
• uncarnivorously adverb
• uncarnivorousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of carnivorous¹

1640–50; < Latin carnivorus, equivalent to carni- (combining form of carō flesh) + -vorus -vorous

Word History and Origins

Origin of carnivorous¹

C17: from Latin carnivorus, from carō flesh + vorāre to consume

Example Sentences

A newly identified carnivorous reptile may look like a dinosaur at first glance, but researchers have confirmed that it was actually an early relative of modern crocodiles.

Read more on Science Daily

It was a medium-sized, fast-moving predator that evolved after the extinction of other large carnivorous dinosaurs.

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Some carnivorous pitcher plants reflect UV light as part of their display, using colour, scent and nectar to lure prey.

Read more on BBC

The only survivor is his younger sister, Nezuko, who has been turned into an oni, a carnivorous demon who usually subsists on a diet of humans and is averse to sunlight.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Scattered over the bean base, it adds weight and richness, the carnivorous note that makes this dip feel like dinner, not just an appetizer.

Read more on Salon