noun
cannibalism
KANIH-buh-lihzm
Cannibalism (noun) means the practice of eating the flesh of one's own species. Example: “Cannibalism among certain fish species increases when food is scarce.”
noun
1
The practice of eating the flesh of one's own species.
"Cannibalism among certain fish species increases when food is scarce."
"The stranded expedition was later rumored to have resorted to cannibalism."
2
Figuratively, one entity consuming or absorbing another of the same kind, such as a company buying up a similar rival.
"Analysts described the merger as corporate cannibalism."
How to use cannibalism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEating members of your own species, literally or (in a figurative sense) one business or product replacing another just like it.
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Word forms
- Plural
- cannibalisms
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ among certain fish species increases when food is scarce.
Etymology
From "cannibal" plus the suffix "-ism"; "cannibal" traces back through Spanish to a Caribbean people's name recorded by early explorers.
Rhymes for cannibalism
realism
fatalism
idealism
globalism
socialism
vandalism
federalism
radicalism
capitalism
liberalism
surrealism
journalism
See all rhymes for cannibalism →
Frequently asked questions
What does “cannibalism” mean?
The word “cannibalism” means the practice of eating the flesh of one's own species. In plain terms, eating members of your own species, literally or (in a figurative sense) one business or product replacing another just like it.
How do you pronounce “cannibalism”?
“Cannibalism” is pronounced KANIH-buh-lihzm (/ˈkanɪbəlɪz(ə)m/ in IPA).
How do you use “cannibalism” in a sentence?
Here is “cannibalism” used in a sentence: “Cannibalism among certain fish species increases when food is scarce.”
What part of speech is “cannibalism”?
“Cannibalism” is a noun.
Where does the word “cannibalism” come from?
The word “cannibalism” comes from Spanish. From "cannibal" plus the suffix "-ism"; "cannibal" traces back through Spanish to a Caribbean people's name recorded by early explorers.
How many meanings does “cannibalism” have?
“Cannibalism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the practice of eating the flesh of one's own species.
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