noun
Uncommon
predator
PREHD-uh-tuh
Predator (noun) means an animal that survives by hunting and eating other animals. Example: “Wolves are apex predators in many forest ecosystems.”
noun
1
An animal that survives by hunting and eating other animals.
"Wolves are apex predators in many forest ecosystems."
"The owl is a night-time predator that listens carefully for mice in the grass."
"Without a natural predator, the rabbits quickly multiplied across the island."
2
A person who exploits or preys on others, especially the vulnerable.
"The charity worked to shut down predators who target elderly victims online."
"Police warned parents that a predator had been contacting teenagers through a gaming chat."
"The con artist was a predator who chose lonely, trusting people as his targets."
How to use predator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hunter — literally an animal that eats other animals, or figuratively a person who takes advantage of others.
Common pairings
natural predator
apex predator
sexual predator
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Word forms
- Plural
- predators
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Wolves are apex _____ in many forest ecosystems.
Etymology
From Latin praedator, \"plunderer,\" from praedari, \"to loot or pillage,\" from praeda, \"spoils or prey.\"
Related words
Rhymes for predator
See all rhymes for predator →Frequently asked questions
What does “predator” mean?
The word “predator” means an animal that survives by hunting and eating other animals. In plain terms, a hunter — literally an animal that eats other animals, or figuratively a person who takes advantage of others.
How do you pronounce “predator”?
“Predator” is pronounced PREHD-uh-tuh (/ˈpɹɛd.ə.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “predator” in a sentence?
Here is “predator” used in a sentence: “Wolves are apex predators in many forest ecosystems.”
What part of speech is “predator”?
“Predator” is a noun.
Where does the word “predator” come from?
The word “predator” comes from Latin. From Latin praedator, \"plunderer,\" from praedari, \"to loot or pillage,\" from praeda, \"spoils or prey.\".
Is “predator” a common word?
“Predator” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “predator” have?
“Predator” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an animal that survives by hunting and eating other animals.
What is the difference between a predator and a prey animal?
A predator is an animal that survives by hunting and eating other animals, while prey is the animal being hunted and eaten. The same species can sometimes be both, such as a fox that preys on rabbits but is itself prey to larger predators.
What is the difference between a predator and a scavenger?
A predator actively hunts and kills other animals for food, while a scavenger feeds on animals that are already dead, whether killed by predators, disease, or other causes. Some animals, like hyenas, can act as both predators and scavengers depending on circumstances.
What does it mean to call a person a predator?
When applied to a person, predator describes someone who exploits or preys on others, especially the vulnerable, often in a harmful or manipulative way. This figurative use carries a strongly negative connotation and is common in discussions of abuse or exploitation.
