cyberbullying

noun

cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
-ˌbə-
: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person (such as a student) often done anonymously
cyberbully
ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
-ˌbə-
noun or verb

Examples of cyberbullying 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.
After prompting a wave of memes and mockery, TF1 pulled the Seven to Eight episode from circulation to prevent further cyberbullying. — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 15 Jan. 2025 Aside from exposing them to potential dangers like inappropriate content, cyberbullying and online predators, children could unexpectedly offer private information to unknown sources. — Jann Blackstone, Boston Herald, 9 Feb. 2025 And adolescents who spend more time online are more likely to experience cyberbullying, another risk factor for an eating disorder, according to a 2023 study. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025 The public awareness campaign focused on major issues affecting young people and shed a spotlight cyberbullying. — Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cyberbullying

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyberbullying was in 1998

Rhymes for cyberbullying

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Browse Nearby Words

cyberattack
cyberbullying
cybercafe
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Cite this Entry

“Cyberbullying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyberbullying. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

cyberbullying

noun
cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˈbu̇l-ē-iŋ How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
: the electronic posting of mean-spirited messages about a person often done anonymously
cyberbully
-ˈbu̇l-ē How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
noun or verb

Legal Definition

cyberbullying

noun
cy·​ber·​bul·​ly·​ing ˈsī-bər-ˌbu̇-lē-iŋ, -ˌbə- How to pronounce cyberbullying (audio)
: the verbal bullying of someone (as a classmate) through the use of often anonymous electronic communication (as online posts or text messages) see also cyberstalking
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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