SKIP TO CONTENT

Darwinian

/dɑrˈwɪniən/
IPA guide

Other forms: Darwinians; Darwinianly

Use Darwinian to describe something that relates to the scientist Charles Darwin or his "survival of the fittest" theory of evolution.

A naturalist who studies evolution and natural selection — scientific theories that were first developed in the 1800's by Charles Darwin — might call herself a Darwinian. The work and writing of Darwin himself are also called Darwinian, particularly evolution. Likewise, anything that resembles the process of natural selection or "survival of the fittest" itself, like a competition in which only the strongest athletes make it to the finish line, is commonly described as Darwinian.

Definitions of Darwinian
  1. noun
    an advocate of Darwinism
    see moresee less
    type of:
    advocate, advocator, exponent, proponent
    a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
  2. adjective
    of or relating to Charles Darwin's theory of organic evolution
    Darwinian theories”
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘Darwinian'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family