Grazer: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe an animal that feeds on grass or vegetation by picking it off the ground.

• Cows are known to be grazers, spending much of their day eating grass.
• The fields were filled with grazers, such as sheep and deer.

A general term used to refer to any animal that feeds chiefly on plants.

• Rabbits, elephants, and zebras are all examples of herbivores.
• In the food chain, herbivores play a crucial role by converting plant energy into a form that is consumable by carnivores.

Refers to an animal that feeds on leaves, soft shoots, or fruits of high-growing, generally woody, plants.

• Giraffes are browsers, feeding on the leaves of tall trees in the savannah.
• Deer often act as browsers when they find themselves in a forest area, nibbling on tree leaves.

Mostly used to describe a person or animal that eats small amounts of food regularly throughout the day rather than having full meals.

• She considers herself a grazer, often nibbling on fruits and nuts between meetings.
• The cow is a natural grazer, spending most of its day in the pasture.

Commonly used to describe a person who eats snacks between meals. Used more informally and often refers to eating less healthy, convenience foods.

• He's a habitual snacker, always reaching for chips or cookies when he's watching TV.
• The kids were hungry after school, so they became little snackers, munching on crackers and cheese.