insectivore
noun
in·sec·ti·vore
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvȯr 
1
: any of an order (Insectivora) of small usually nocturnal mammals (such as moles, shrews, and hedgehogs) that feed mainly on insects
2
: an insectivorous plant or animal
Examples of insectivore in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And common nighthawks and chimney sweeps, both aerial insectivores, have seen dramatic changes in habitat and diet availability.
—
Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
Moles are insectivores, tunneling to find food.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Moreover, in every case, the ancestors were either insectivores or carnivores, with insect-eaters making the shift about three times more often than carnivores.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2025
The lemurs and tenrecs of Madagascar, for example, are descended from primates and insectivores that used to be much more widespread.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025
This tiny insectivore has an exceptionally fast metabolism, demanding near-constant feeding to survive.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2025
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.
Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025
Moles are insectivores, tunneling to find food.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 Sep. 2025
Moreover, in every case, the ancestors were either insectivores or carnivores, with insect-eaters making the shift about three times more often than carnivores.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, ArsTechnica, 20 Aug. 2025
The lemurs and tenrecs of Madagascar, for example, are descended from primates and insectivores that used to be much more widespread.
—Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025
This tiny insectivore has an exceptionally fast metabolism, demanding near-constant feeding to survive.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Insectivore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insectivore. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insectivore
noun
in·sec·ti·vore
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvō(ə)r
-ˌvȯ(ə)r
1
: any of an order of small mammals (as the moles, shrews, and hedgehogs) that are mostly insect-eating and active at night
2
: an insect-eating plant or animal
Medical Definition
insectivore
noun
in·sec·ti·vore
in-ˈsek-tə-ˌvō(ə)r, -ˌvȯ(ə)r
1
: any mammal of the order Insectivora
2
: an insectivorous plant or animal
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share