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
Despite their artistic beauty, they were also known for headhunting and cannibalism, rooted in their spiritual beliefs.
—
Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
The first film always seemed a little far-fetched, given the speed with which seemingly rational people took up cross-dressing and cannibalism in the space of less than a month.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, Showtime’s premier cannibalism dramedy is still looking to break in its trophy case.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 June 2025
This cosmic cannibalism causes blasts of light that can outshine the combined light of every star in the host galaxy of the TDE, alerting scientists to a gory stellar death.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannibalism
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Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
The first film always seemed a little far-fetched, given the speed with which seemingly rational people took up cross-dressing and cannibalism in the space of less than a month.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 18 June 2025
Created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, Showtime’s premier cannibalism dramedy is still looking to break in its trophy case.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 June 2025
This cosmic cannibalism causes blasts of light that can outshine the combined light of every star in the host galaxy of the TDE, alerting scientists to a gory stellar death.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 May 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 19 Jul. 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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