carrion
Americannoun
-
dead and putrefying flesh.
-
rottenness; anything vile.
adjective
noun
-
dead and rotting flesh
-
(modifier) eating carrion
carrion beetles
-
something rotten or repulsive
Etymology
Origin of carrion
1175–1225; Middle English caroyne, careyn, carion < Anglo-French careine, Old French charo ( i ) gne < Vulgar Latin *caronia, equivalent to Latin carun- ( caruncle ) + -ia -y 3
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Like the bird of prey seeking carrion, a foreign correspondent is characterized as a misery merchant or conflict cowboy, making a living from death and disaster.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2025
In the wild, its stench lures pollinators like carrion beetles and flies, which are drawn to the smell of rotting flesh.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2025
Buzzards are the most common and widespread bird of prey in the UK and often feed on carrion, according to the RSPB.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025
Vultures thus fulfil an important ecological role by cleaning landscapes of carrion and containing the spread of wildlife diseases.
From Science Daily • Nov. 19, 2024
The jaeger preyed upon lemmings, small birds, and occasionally carrion.
From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
