Animal

/ˈæn.ɪ.məl/ · noun

Meaning

(sciences) A multicellular organism of the kingdom Animalia that is usually mobile, with cells that are not encased in a rigid cell wall (distinguishing them from plants and fungi) and derives energy solely from the consumption of other organisms..

Definitions by Sense

1. (sciences) A multicellular organism of the kingdom Animalia that is usually mobile, with cells that are not encased in a rigid cell wall (distinguishing them from plants and fungi) and derives energy solely from the consumption of other organisms.
2. (loosely) Any member of the kingdom Animalia other than a human.
3. (loosely) A higher animal; an animal related to humans.
4. (figuratively) A person who behaves wildly; a bestial, brutal, brutish, cruel, or inhuman person.
5. (informal) A person of a particular type specified by an adjective.
6. (informal) Matter, thing.
7. Of or relating to animals.
8. Raw, base, unhindered by social codes.

Example Sentences

Near-synonym: critter

Humans, like other animals, need air to breathe and food to eat.

It cannot be denied it [the chameleon] is (if not the moſt of any) a very abſtemious animall, and ſuch as by reaſon of its frigidity, paucity of bloud, and latitancy in the winter (about which time the obſervations are often made) will long ſubſist without a viſible ſuſtentation.

When he's hungry my toddler opens his mouth like an animal instead of asking us to feed him.

My students are animals.

Own me, I'll let you play the role I'll be your animal

She speculated that things could deteriorate later: “I think they’re scared of the English, which is fair; we are animals.”

He's a political animal.

Synonyms for animal

Antonyms for animal

Related Words

Word Forms

• animals

Usage Notes

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