Animal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈa-nə-məl/ an·i·mal

Meaning & Definition of Animal

Animal (noun)

  1. any of a kingdom (Animalia) of living things including many-celled organisms and often many of the single-celled ones (such as protozoans) that typically differ from plants in having cells without cellulose walls, in lacking chlorophyll and the capacity for photosynthesis, in requiring more complex food materials (such as proteins), in being organized to a greater degree of complexity, and in having the capacity for spontaneous movement and rapid motor responses to stimulation
  2. any animal that is not a human being
  3. mammal; broadly, vertebrate

Animal (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, resembling, or derived from animals
  2. of or relating to the physical or sentient as contrasted with the intellectual or rational
  3. sensual, fleshly

Animal (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one of the lower animals as distinguished from human beings

    "we saw a lot of animals at the wildlife refuge—cranes, alligators, deer, a fox, even an armadillo"

Animal (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. of or relating to the human body

    "had intellectual as well as animal needs"

Related Entry: Animal magnetism (noun)

Animal magnetism is a different word from Animal. The synonyms below are for animal magnetism, not for animal.

  1. the power of irresistible attraction

    "a photograph that captures the athlete's animal magnetism"

Related Entry: Animal husbandry (noun)

Animal husbandry is a different word from Animal. The synonyms below are for animal husbandry, not for animal.

  1. a kind of farming in which people raise animals for meat, milk, eggs, etc.

Related Entry: Animal spirits (plural noun)

Animal spirits is a different word from Animal. The synonyms below are for animal spirits, not for animal.

  1. as in spirit, spunkiness

Related Entry: Domestic animal (noun)

Domestic animal is a different word from Animal. The synonyms below are for domestic animal, not for animal.

  1. as in pet

    opposite: invertebrate

Related Entry: Pack animal (noun)

Pack animal is a different word from Animal. The synonyms below are for pack animal, not for animal.

  1. as in donkey, ass

    similar: ass, burro, donkey, jackass, moke (British slang), jack, jennet, jenny, hinny, mule

Related Entry: Party animal (noun)

Party animal is a different word from Animal. The synonyms below are for party animal, not for animal.

  1. as in bacchanal, wassailer

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Animal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Animal:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Animal

Words with the opposite meaning of Animal:

Near Antonyms of Animal

Word Forms of Animal

Derived words: animallike (adjective), animally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Animal

Latin, from animale, neuter of animalis animate, from anima soul animate

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Animal

Words & Phrases Containing Animal

Frequently Asked Questions about Animal

What does "Animal" mean?

"Animal" means any of a kingdom (Animalia) of living things including many-celled organisms and often many of the single-celled ones (such as protozoans) that typically differ from plants in having cells without cellulose walls, in lacking chlorophyll and the capacity for photosynthesis, in requiring more complex food materials (such as proteins), in being organized to a greater degree of complexity, and in having the capacity for spontaneous movement and rapid motor responses to stimulation. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: any of a kingdom (Animalia) of living things including many-celled organisms and often many of the single-celled ones (such as protozoans) that typically differ from plants in having cells without cellulose walls, in lacking chlorophyll and the capacity for photosynthesis, in requiring more complex food materials (such as proteins), in being organized to a greater degree of complexity, and in having the capacity for spontaneous movement and rapid motor responses to stimulation. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Animal"?

Other words for "Animal" include beast, beastie, brute, creature, critter, bodily, carnal and corporal. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Animal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Animal"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Animal". Common alternatives include beast, beastie, brute, creature, critter, bodily, carnal, corporal, corporeal and fleshly.

What is the opposite of "Animal"?

Antonyms of "Animal" include nonmaterial and nonphysical. Near antonyms include cerebral, inner, intellectual and mental.

How do you use "Animal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Animal" in a sentence: "we saw a lot of animals at the wildlife refuge—cranes, alligators, deer, a fox, even an armadillo"; "had intellectual as well as animal needs".

Is "Animal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Animal" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Animal" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Animal" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Animal"?

"Animal" is pronounced /ˈa-nə-məl/ and divided into syllables as an·i·mal.