noun
roadkill
ROHD-kihl
Roadkill (noun) means an animal killed by a vehicle on the road, or the act of an animal being killed this way. Example: “They swerved to avoid becoming roadkill after a deer darted into the headlights.”
noun
1
An animal killed by a vehicle on the road, or the act of an animal being killed this way.
"They swerved to avoid becoming roadkill after a deer darted into the headlights."
2
Someone or something helplessly destroyed or defeated, used figuratively.
"Smaller shops became roadkill once the big chain moved into town."
How to use roadkill
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn animal hit and killed by a car, or figuratively, a helpless casualty of something bigger.
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Word forms
- Plural
- roadkills
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They swerved to avoid becoming _____ after a deer darted into the headlights.
Etymology
A compound of "road" + "kill," coined to describe animals struck and killed by traffic.
Frequently asked questions
What does “roadkill” mean?
The word “roadkill” means an animal killed by a vehicle on the road, or the act of an animal being killed this way. In plain terms, an animal hit and killed by a car, or figuratively, a helpless casualty of something bigger.
How do you pronounce “roadkill”?
“Roadkill” is pronounced ROHD-kihl (/ˈɹoʊdˌkɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “roadkill” in a sentence?
Here is “roadkill” used in a sentence: “They swerved to avoid becoming roadkill after a deer darted into the headlights.”
What part of speech is “roadkill”?
“Roadkill” is a noun.
How many meanings does “roadkill” have?
“Roadkill” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an animal killed by a vehicle on the road, or the act of an animal being killed this way.
