man-eater

American  

[man-ee-ter] / ˈmænˌi tər /

noun

1. an animal, especially a tiger or lion, that eats or is said to eat human flesh.

2. man-eating shark.

3. a cannibal.

4. Slang. femme fatale.

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man-eater British  

noun

1. an animal, such as a tiger, that has become accustomed to eating human flesh

2. any of various sharks that feed on human flesh, esp the great white shark ( Carcharodon carcharias )

3. a human cannibal

4. informal a woman with many lovers

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Etymology

Origin of man-eater

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

But new guidelines aside, Indian officials and wildlife experts continue to use the term man-eater.

From Salon • May 18, 2022

Or 2001's romantic comedy "Two Can Play That Game" from which her portrayal of the ponytail-swinging, man-eater Conny is now a popular meme and GIF?

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2018

The Daryl Hall and John Oates lyrics say it best: "Oh-oh here she comes. Watch out, boy, she'll chew you up. ... She's a man-eater."

From Washington Post • Jul. 20, 2016

The next day, as dynamite was dropped into the creek in hopes of raising Lester's body, Matawan's acting mayor offered a $100 reward for anyone who "kills the man-eater."

From US News • Jul. 6, 2016

Ajay jumped to his feet as if an enormous man-eater were about to pounce.

From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins

Related Words

• anthropophaginian
• anthropophagite
• anthropophagus
• people-eater