1. wild dogs native to Africa and Asia that hunt in packs and scavenge for food
2. people who behave in a ruthless or opportunistic way, especially those who take advantage of others’ misfortune
Usage: figurative; derogatory

Examples

• The jackals howled in the distance as night fell over the savanna.
• A pack of jackals scavenged the remains left by the lions.
• Jackals are known for their cunning hunting strategies.
• The documentary showed jackals working together to catch prey.
• Political jackals emerged to exploit the scandal for their own gain.
• She called the reporters jackals for hounding the grieving family.
• The business jackals swooped in when the company went bankrupt.