Carnivora

American  

[kahr-niv-er-uh] / kɑrˈnɪv ər ə /

noun

1. the order of placental mammals comprising the carnivorans and noted for much diversity in habitats, sizes of species, and diets: divided into two suborders, Caniformia (dogs and doglike species) and Feliformia (cats and catlike species).

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Etymology

Origin of Carnivora

First recorded in 1820–30; from New Latin, Latin carnivora (animālia) “meat-eating (animals),” neuter plural of carnivorus carnivorous

Example Sentences

Despite being part of the meat-eating order Carnivora, pandas typically practice a plant-based diet, eschewing salmon and seal meat at the bear family barbecue for shoots of bamboo.

From New York Times • Jun. 30, 2022

Cats and dogs are part of the same group beginning with the Order: Carnivora level.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Although the new animal is in the taxonomic order Carnivora — a group of mammals that includes cats and dogs — it is not carnivorous because it does not primarily eat meat.

From Washington Post • Aug. 15, 2013

Phylogeny of the Carnivora: basal relationships among the carnivoramorphans, and assessment of the position of ‘Miacoidea’ relative to Carnivora.

From Scientific American • Feb. 25, 2013

The same conclusion is indicated by the absence from the Moluccas and Celebes of various other Mammals, Quadrumana, Carnivora, Insectivora and Ruminants, which abound in the western part of the Archipelago.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 7 "Arundel, Thomas" to "Athens" by Various