cannibalism
noun
can·ni·bal·ism
ˈka-nə-bə-ˌli-zəm 
1
: the usually ritualistic eating of human flesh by a human being
2
: the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of the same kind
3
: an act of cannibalizing something
Examples of cannibalism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Why Do Octopuses Tear Themselves Apart After Mating? Watch on
But males have evolved a clever defense against this cannibalism.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025
Studies confirm that cannibalism was relatively common during that era 11,000-plus years ago.
—Daniel Wine, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025
From there, the cannibalism turned into all-out hunts, which resulted in Javi's (Luciano Leroux) death, and by the end of season 2, Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) was the new leader, Shauna was pissed, and Coach Ben (Steven Krueger) set off on his own… after maybe burning down the cabin?
—Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 13 Feb. 2025
The time period was characterized by improving climate conditions and a boom in population — conditions that decrease the likelihood that the cannibalism was born out of survival.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannibalism
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Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Mar. 2025
Studies confirm that cannibalism was relatively common during that era 11,000-plus years ago.
—Daniel Wine, CNN, 13 Feb. 2025
From there, the cannibalism turned into all-out hunts, which resulted in Javi's (Luciano Leroux) death, and by the end of season 2, Natalie (Sophie Thatcher) was the new leader, Shauna was pissed, and Coach Ben (Steven Krueger) set off on his own… after maybe burning down the cabin?
—Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 13 Feb. 2025
The time period was characterized by improving climate conditions and a boom in population — conditions that decrease the likelihood that the cannibalism was born out of survival.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannibalism
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannibalism. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cannibalism
noun
can·ni·bal·ism
ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the eating of human flesh by a human being
2
: the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of the same kind
Medical Definition
cannibalism
noun
can·ni·bal·ism
-bə-ˌliz-əm
1
: the usually ritualistic eating of human flesh by a human being
2
: the eating of the flesh or the eggs of any animal by its own kind
3
: the pecking and tearing of the live flesh of its own members in a domestic poultry flock compare pecking order
4
: oral sadism
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