What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mammal
Example
The dolphin is a mammal that lives in the ocean. [mammal: noun]
Example
The mother cat nursed her kittens with her milk. [mammal: adjective]
animal
Example
The zoo has many different animals, including lions, tigers, and bears. [animal: noun]
Example
The veterinarian treated the sick animal with medicine. [animal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Animal is a more commonly used term than mammal in everyday language. Animal is a versatile term that covers a wide range of living organisms, while mammal is a more specific term that refers to a particular group of animals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mammal and animal?
Both mammal and animal are neutral terms that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
