What does omnivore mean?
An omnivore is a person, animal, or organism that eats both plants and animals, or more generally obtains nourishment from a broad range of food sources. The word is especially common in biology and nutrition, where it describes animals with digestive systems capable of processing both plant and animal material. Humans are the clearest example, but pigs, bears, rats, and many other animals are also omnivores. In everyday conversation, the term can describe a flexible or adaptable eater, though it sometimes carries the implication of eating widely rather than specializing in one kind of food. The concept contrasts with herbivores, which eat plants, and carnivores, which eat animals. An omnivorous diet can be nutritious when it includes a suitably balanced and varied selection of foods.
nounA person or animal that eats both plant and animal matter. The term can also refer to an organism that obtains energy from a wide variety of food sources.
- A person who eats both plant and animal foods.
- An animal or organism that consumes both plant and animal matter.
"Humans are omnivores, so a balanced diet can include grains, vegetables, meat, and other protein sources."
"The dog is an omnivore and can eat carefully formulated plant-based food as well as conventional meat-based food."
"As a flexible omnivore, she enjoys cooking with vegetables, legumes, fish, and poultry."
The plural omnivores is used for multiple people, animals, or organisms that are omnivores.
"Several omnivores share the same carefully balanced diet."
From Latin omnis, meaning “all,” and vorare, meaning “to devour,” an omnivore literally devours from all food sources.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does omnivore come from?
The word comes from Latin omnivorus, formed from omnis, meaning “all,” and vorare, meaning “to devour” or “eat greedily.” English borrowed the term in the 19th century in scientific contexts, initially especially for animals that consume both plant and animal food. The related English adjective omnivorous and the broader Latin root are visible in words such as voracious, devour, and voracity.
How omnivore is actually used
The term is standard in biology, nutrition, ecology, and general discussion. It is sometimes used figuratively for a person or organization that draws on a wide range of resources or interests.
Easily confused with omnivore
A herbivore eats plants, whereas an omnivore eats both plants and animals.
A carnivore primarily eats animal matter, whereas an omnivore eats both animal and plant matter.