locavore: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low-frequency, specialized vocabulary)Formal, journalistic, ecological/environmental discourse, lifestyle writing. It is a conscious, often idealistic term rather than casual everyday speech.
Quick answer
What does “locavore” mean?
A person who makes a deliberate choice to eat food that is locally grown or produced, often within a specific radius (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who makes a deliberate choice to eat food that is locally grown or produced, often within a specific radius (e.g., 100 miles/160 km) from their home.
A dietary and lifestyle philosophy prioritizing locally sourced food to support local economies, reduce environmental impact from transportation (food miles), and ensure fresher, more seasonal produce. It often intersects with sustainability and ethical consumerism movements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The term originated in the US (San Francisco) and is slightly more established in American English, but is fully understood in British English. The concept is equally relevant.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes environmental awareness, privilege (access, cost), and sometimes food elitism. In the UK, it may be associated with the 'farm-to-fork' movement.
Frequency
More frequent in US media and discourse, but the frequency gap is narrowing. In the UK, alternative phrases like 'eating locally' or 'buying local' are more common in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “locavore” in a Sentence
[Person] is a locavore.[Person] follows a locavore diet/lifestyle.The locavore movement promotes [action/idea].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locavore” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not standard. The verb form is rare/non-standard. One might say 'to eat locally' or 'to source locally'.]
American English
- [Not standard. The verb form is rare/non-standard. One might say 'to locavore' informally, but it's not accepted.]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- The café has a strong locavore ethos, sourcing all its meat from Devon.
- She joined a locavore cooking club.
American English
- The restaurant's locavore menu changes with the seasons in upstate New York.
- He took on the locavore challenge for a month.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for restaurants, farm shops, and grocery chains to describe sourcing policies (e.g., 'We cater to locavores.').
Academic
Found in papers on sustainable agriculture, food systems, environmental studies, and consumer behavior.
Everyday
Rare in casual chat. Might be used self-descriptively in communities focused on sustainability or foodie culture.
Technical
Not a technical term per se, but used precisely in ecological and food policy discussions to denote a specific consumer category.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locavore”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locavore”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locavore”
- Misspelling: 'localvore' (common variant, but 'locavore' is standard).
- Misuse: Using it for someone who simply eats local food out of necessity, not choice.
- Pronouncing the first 'o' as in 'lock' (/ˈlɒk.ə.vɔː/) is less common; standard is with the long 'o' (/ˈləʊ/ or /ˈloʊ/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It was coined in 2005 and was the Oxford American Dictionary's 'Word of the Year' in 2007. It is now included in major dictionaries.
A vegetarian avoids meat/fish for ethical, health, or environmental reasons. A locavore focuses on the geographic origin of *all* their food (including meat, vegetables, dairy), prioritizing local sources regardless of the food type.
Yes, but it is more challenging. City locavores rely heavily on urban farmers' markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) boxes from nearby farms, and sometimes urban gardening (balconies, allotments).
No, it's flexible. Common definitions include food produced within 100 miles (160 km), within the same region/state, or within a day's drive. The key is the conscious intent to source closer to home.
A person who makes a deliberate choice to eat food that is locally grown or produced, often within a specific radius (e.
Locavore is usually formal, journalistic, ecological/environmental discourse, lifestyle writing. it is a conscious, often idealistic term rather than casual everyday speech. in register.
Locavore: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊ.kə.vɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊ.kə.vɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a traditional idiom] The concept itself is modern. Common phrases: 'eating within a 100-mile radius', 'voting with your fork'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Local' + 'devour' (to eat). A LOCAVORE DEVOURS LOCAL food.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSUMPTION IS A VOTE (voting with your fork). THE LOCAL IS PURER/MORE ETHICAL (vs. the global/industrial).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of a 'locavore'?