# carnivorous

/kɑɹˈnɪvɝəs/ (US) · /kɑːnˈɪvəɹəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/carnivorous
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

describing plants that eat animals or other living things. These plants usually live in wet areas where the soil is poor and they need extra nutrients.

For teachers: relating to or characteristic of animals that feed on other animals. In a botanical context, describes plants that derive some or all of their nutritional requirements from consuming animal matter.

## Examples

- The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant.
- Carnivorous plants have evolved specialized structures like sticky secretions or snap traps to catch their prey.
- While most plants rely on photosynthesis for energy, carnivorous species have adapted to nutrient-deficient environments by supplementing their diet with organic matter from small insects or mammals.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.