noun

kleptoparasitism

klep-toh-PARR-uh-sit-iz-um

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Kleptoparasitism (noun) means the habit of stealing already-captured food, nesting material or similar resources from another animal. Example: “Gulls are notorious for kleptoparasitism, snatching chips straight from picnickers' hands.”

noun

The habit of stealing already-captured food, nesting material or similar resources from another animal.

"Gulls are notorious for kleptoparasitism, snatching chips straight from picnickers' hands."

"Kleptoparasitism lets a skua save energy by stealing fish other seabirds have already caught."

"Some spiders practise kleptoparasitism by raiding the webs of other species."

How to use kleptoparasitism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishKleptoparasitism means stealing food or resources that another animal worked to get.

When to use it

This is a specialist zoological term used mainly in scientific writing about animal behaviour.

Memory tip

Spot the parts: klepto- signals theft, and parasitism signals living off another creature, so together the word means theft between animals.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

parasitism brood parasitism

Common pairings

practise kleptoparasitism a form of kleptoparasitism kleptoparasitism in seabirds

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

Gulls are notorious for _____, snatching chips straight from picnickers' hands.

Etymology

Kleptoparasitism joins the prefix klepto-, meaning stealing or theft, to parasitism, the word for one organism living off another.

Origin: English

Rhymes for kleptoparasitism

favouritism antisemitism

See all rhymes for kleptoparasitism →

Frequently asked questions

What does kleptoparasitism mean?

It describes an animal stealing food, prey or nest material that another animal has already gathered.

Which animals show kleptoparasitism?

It is well known in seabirds such as gulls and skuas, which often rob other birds of their catch, as well as in some other species that raid captured prey.

Is kleptoparasitism the same as parasitism?

No, parasitism is the broader relationship of one organism living off another, while kleptoparasitism specifically involves stealing something the other animal has already obtained.

What is the meaning of kleptoparasitism?

"kleptoparasitism" (noun) means the habit of stealing already-captured food, nesting material or similar resources from another animal.