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

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."

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 notes

In plain EnglishEating members of your own species, literally or (in a figurative sense) one business or product replacing another just like it.

Word forms

cannibalisms plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “cannibalism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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.

Origin: Spanish

Rhymes for cannibalism

realism idealism socialism vandalism federalism capitalism liberalism surrealism journalism materialism nationalism imperialism

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.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include cannibalism:

Words with Spanish origins