Is an omnivore a person or an animal?

It can be both. Most often, people use it for animals, but it can also describe a person.

What is the difference between omnivore and herbivore?

An omnivore eats both plants and meat. A herbivore eats plants only.

Is omnivore a common word in IELTS or academic writing?

Yes. It is common in science, biology, and academic texts about diet.

Can I say someone is an omnivore?

Yes, if you mean the person eats both meat and plant foods.

← Dictionary

omnivore

/ˈɒm.nɪ.vɔːr/

IELTSAcademic

noun

An omnivore is an animal or person that eats both plants and meat. It can eat a wide range of foods, not just one type.

Humans are omnivores.
Bears are omnivores.
The child is a careful omnivore.

Adinary Nuance

An omnivore eats both plant food and meat. It is broader than herbivore, which eats plants only, and carnivore, which eats meat only. In everyday English, people usually use it for animals, but it can also describe a person’s diet.

In other languages

Vietnamese: động vật ăn tạp
Spanish: omnívoro
Chinese: 杂食动物
Japanese: 雑食動物
Korean: 잡식동물

Etymology

From Latin omni- meaning "all" and vorare meaning "to eat". The word came into English in the 1800s, first in scientific writing.

Common phrases

omnivore dietomnivore animaltrue omnivore

Synonyms

all-eater mixed-feeder

Related words

herbivore carnivore diet food chain

Frequently asked questions

Is an omnivore a person or an animal?: It can be both. Most often, people use it for animals, but it can also describe a person.
What is the difference between omnivore and herbivore?: An omnivore eats both plants and meat. A herbivore eats plants only.
Is omnivore a common word in IELTS or academic writing?: Yes. It is common in science, biology, and academic texts about diet.
Can I say someone is an omnivore?: Yes, if you mean the person eats both meat and plant foods.