Animal Meaning

UK /ˈænɪməl/
US /ˈænəməl/
Word Definition
animal meaning

Animal Definition & Usage

noun

A living organism that is not a plant or fungus and is typically capable of moving voluntarily, consuming organic matter, and responding to stimuli.

Examples

  • "Lions are powerful animals that roam the savannah."
  • "The zoo has a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras."
  • "We studied how different animals adapt to their environments."
  • "Farm animals like cows and chickens provide food and resources."
  • "Insects are small animals but play a huge role in pollination."
noun

A human being, especially one considered to exhibit raw, animal-like qualities or behavior.

Examples

  • "Stop acting like an animal at the dinner table!"
  • "He’s an animal when it comes to sports—no one can beat him."
  • "The crowd went wild, like animals at a concert."
  • "She was in such a rage, it was like she had become an animal."
  • "He was treated like an animal during his time in prison."
adjective

Referring to or resembling the behavior, instincts, or nature of an animal.

Examples

  • "The animal instincts kicked in when he saw the danger."
  • "Her animal energy kept the team going through the entire marathon."
  • "The animal nature of the predator is to hunt and conquer."
  • "He gave an animal-like growl in frustration."
  • "The survivalist used his animal skills to navigate the jungle."

Cultural Context

The word 'animal' has been in use since the Middle Ages and has its origins in the Latin word 'animalis,' which means 'living being.' Over time, it has come to encompass both biological classifications of organisms and metaphorical uses to describe human behavior and traits.

The Animal Within

Story

The Animal Within

In a small village nestled between rolling hills, a young man named Jack was known for his fiery temper and athletic prowess. Despite his quiet, charming exterior, something animal-like surfaced when he was provoked. One afternoon, the village held a grand race, and Jack was the favorite to win. As the runners took their mark, the tension in the air was palpable. Jack’s eyes glimmered with a primal intensity. As soon as the signal sounded, he bolted forward, his movements quick and animalistic, reminding everyone why he was the best. But the real challenge came later that evening, when Jack’s rival, Tom, taunted him in front of the crowd. With a growl of frustration, Jack snapped back, his anger escalating into an almost animal-like rage. His friends were shocked—this was not the Jack they knew, yet there it was, his inner animal unleashed. Later, as he sat by the fire, one of his oldest friends, Sarah, approached him. 'Jack,' she said softly, 'I know you’re a good person, but sometimes, the animal in you takes over. You have to learn to control it.' Jack nodded, silently acknowledging the truth of her words. He had won the race, but the victory felt hollow without the calm that he sought within himself. Over time, he would come to understand that the animal within him wasn’t something to fear, but something to tame and harness for his own strength and focus. The village would remember him not only as a fierce competitor but as someone who, in the end, found peace with his own nature.

The Animal Within