What does entomophagy mean?
Entomophagy is the practice of eating insects, especially as a source of food for humans. The term derives from Greek roots meaning 'insect' and 'to eat', and it sits comfortably in formal registers: you will meet it in academic papers on nutrition, reports on sustainable agriculture, and journalism about alternative proteins. Far from being an exotic curiosity, entomophagy is an established dietary tradition in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where beetles, caterpillars, locusts, and crickets have been consumed for centuries and are prized for their protein content. In recent decades the word has gained wider currency as environmentalists and food scientists promote insect farming as a low-footprint alternative to conventional livestock, since insects require less land, water, and feed than cattle or pigs. The adjective 'entomophagous' describes organisms — including people — that eat insects. While some English speakers may find the concept unfamiliar or unappetising, the word itself is neutral and descriptive, carrying no inherent judgement about the practice it names.
nounThe practice of eating insects as food, especially by humans.
- The practice of eating insects, particularly as food for humans; also used of animals that feed on insects.
"Entomophagy has long been practised across much of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where insects are a valued source of protein."
"Advocates argue that entomophagy could offer a sustainable answer to the world's growing protein demands."
"In parts of Thailand, entomophagy is so ordinary that fried crickets are sold as street snacks alongside fruit."
An uncountable mass noun; no plural form is used.
"Entomophagy varies widely between cultures, with each region favouring different species."
Over two billion people worldwide already eat insects — and the word for it comes straight from Greek: 'insect' plus 'to eat'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of entomophagy
The word entomophagy derives from ancient Greek: 'éntomon', meaning insect (itself from 'entomos', 'cut into segments'), combined with '-phagia', from 'phagein', meaning to eat. The compound entered English through learned Latin and modern scientific vocabulary, appearing in scholarly writing from the nineteenth century onward as naturalists described both human insect-eating customs and insectivorous animals. It shares its roots with entomology, the study of insects, and with other '-phagy' terms such as sarcophagy, reflecting the productive Greek combining form used throughout zoology and anthropology.
Related word forms
How entomophagy is actually used
A formal or technical term, most often found in scientific, culinary-innovation, and sustainability writing rather than everyday conversation. It applies chiefly to human consumption of insects but can describe insectivorous feeding by animals more generally.
Easily confused with entomophagy
Entomology is the scientific study of insects, whereas entomophagy is the practice of eating them.