Meaning & use

maneater

noun·Everyday

Last updated

An animal, especially a large predator such as a tiger or shark, that hunts and eats humans.

See it in a sentence

The village hired hunters to track down the maneater that had been attacking farmers.

Historical records describe a maneater that killed dozens of people in the region before being caught.

A note on using this word

Maneater is also used informally and figuratively for a person, often a woman, who is seen as ruthlessly attracting and discarding romantic partners.

Words with a similar meaning

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Another way to use it

2. noun

Informal: a person who ruthlessly attracts and exploits romantic partners.

The song paints her as a maneater who moves from relationship to relationship.

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