man-eater

[ man-ee-ter ]

noun

1. an animal, especially a tiger or lion, that eats or is said to eat human flesh.
2. man-eating shark.
3. a cannibal.
4. Slang. femme fatale.

man-eater

noun

1. an animal, such as a tiger, that has become accustomed to eating human flesh
2. any of various sharks that feed on human flesh, esp the great white shark ( Carcharodon carcharias )
3. a human cannibal
4. informal.
   a woman with many lovers

Word History and Origins

Origin of man-eater¹

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

Dubbed the "man-eater of Champaran", the beast was killed after a hunt by around 200 police officers and district officials.

From BBC

Ajay jumped to his feet as if an enormous man-eater were about to pounce.

From Literature

But new guidelines aside, Indian officials and wildlife experts continue to use the term man-eater.

From Salon

There were undoubtedly elements of bigotry and chauvinism to much of the original Bennifer backlash — especially to the idea that Lopez was a controlling, spoiled “diva” and a compulsive man-eater.

From Los Angeles Times

To borrow a title from a 1980s hit not written by Billy Joel, I guess that makes each croc a man-eater.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• anthropophaginian
• anthropophagite
• anthropophagus
• people-eater