cadaver

noun

ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈda-vər How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
Synonyms of cadaver
: a dead body
especially : one intended for dissection
cadaveric
kə-ˈdav-rik How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
-ˈda-və-
adjective

Synonyms of cadaver

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Examples of cadaver in a Sentence

medical students who train by using cadavers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Several searches covering approximately 110 acres have been conducted around Terrapin Trail Garage, using drones, cadaver dogs and dozens of first responders, according to police. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026 Sheriff’s cadaver dogs, deputies with shovels and a backhoe were seen at work. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026 The criminal complaint alleges that two separate cadaver dogs alerted to the scent of human remains at Baier’s property on Cork Street Road in Ripon in late 2023, WBAY reported. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026 On May 23, detectives, along with members of the Kansas City Fire Department and cadaver dogs, obtained consent to search the home on Smart. — Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cadaver

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from cadere to fall

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cadaver was circa 1500

Browse Nearby Words

cadastre
cadaver
cadaveric
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cadaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cadaver. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cadaver

noun
ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈdav-ər How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
: a dead body especially of a person : corpse

Medical Definition

cadaver

noun
ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈdav-ər How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
plural cadavers also cadavera -ə-rə How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
: a dead body
specifically : one intended for use in medical education or research
cadaveric
-(ə-)rik How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cadaver

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cadaver

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