# invertebrate

/ˌɪnˈvɝtəˌbɹeɪt/ (US) · /ɪnvˈɜːtɪbɹˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/invertebrate
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

an animal that does not have a backbone. This includes creatures like insects, spiders, worms, and jellyfish.

For teachers: an animal lacking a vertebral column or backbone. This category encompasses the vast majority of animal species, including arthropods, molluscs, and cnidarians.

## Examples

- The garden is full of insects, which are invertebrates.
- Marine biologists spent the afternoon cataloging various invertebrates found in the tide pools along the rocky shore.
- While vertebrates are often the focus of public interest, invertebrates play a critical role in ecosystem health, serving as primary pollinators and decomposers in nearly every habitat on Earth.

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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.