cannibalism

noun

can·​ni·​bal·​ism ˈka-nə-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce cannibalism (audio)
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
cannibalistic adjective

Examples of cannibalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cannibalism was in 1634

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cannibalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannibalism. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

cannibalism

noun
can·​ni·​bal·​ism ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce cannibalism (audio)
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
cannibalistic adjective

Medical Definition

cannibalism

noun
can·​ni·​bal·​ism -bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce cannibalism (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on cannibalism

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