noun
carrion
KA-rih-uhn
Carrion (noun) means the decaying flesh of a dead animal. Example: “Vultures circled above, waiting to feed on the carrion.”
noun
1
The decaying flesh of a dead animal.
"Vultures circled above, waiting to feed on the carrion."
"The scent of carrion drew scavengers from miles around."
adj
1
Relating to or consisting of dead, rotting flesh.
"Crows are known as carrion birds because they feed on dead animals."
How to use carrion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe rotting body or flesh of a dead animal.
Common pairings
feed on carrion
carrion birds
a carrion crow
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Word forms
- Plural
- carrions
- Comparative
- more carrion
- Superlative
- most carrion
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Vultures circled above, waiting to feed on the _____.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman caroigne, tracing back to Latin caro ("flesh") — the same root that gives us "carnivore" and "incarnate."
Rhymes for carrion
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for carrion →
Frequently asked questions
What does “carrion” mean?
The word “carrion” means the decaying flesh of a dead animal. In plain terms, the rotting body or flesh of a dead animal.
How do you pronounce “carrion”?
“Carrion” is pronounced KA-rih-uhn (/ˈkɛ.ɹi.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “carrion” in a sentence?
Here is “carrion” used in a sentence: “Vultures circled above, waiting to feed on the carrion.”
What part of speech is “carrion”?
Depending on how it is used, “carrion” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “carrion” come from?
The word “carrion” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman caroigne, tracing back to Latin caro ("flesh") — the same root that gives us "carnivore" and "incarnate.".
How many meanings does “carrion” have?
“Carrion” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the decaying flesh of a dead animal.
