hippo

noun

hip·​po ˈhi-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce hippo (audio)
plural hippos
: hippopotamus

Examples of hippo in a Sentence

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.
Video captured recently in Botswana shows the terrifying moment a tourist boat had to outpace a charging hippo. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026 The most popular involves a hippo escaping from a traveling circus and finding its way to a nearby creek. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026 Oznur Bell One of the journey’s guides, who was operating the vessel, spotted the hippo and slowed the boat in an attempt not to disturb it, Oznur said. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026 After passing the elephant, Bell’s boat passed a lone male hippo lurking in the water. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hippo

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hippo was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

hipple
hippo
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Cite this Entry

“Hippo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hippo. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hippo

noun
hip·​po ˈhip-ō How to pronounce hippo (audio)
plural hippos
: hippopotamus

Geographical Definition

Hippo

geographical name

Hip·​po ˈhi-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce Hippo (audio)
variants or Hippo Regius
ˈrē-jəs How to pronounce Hippo (audio)
-jē-əs
ancient city in northern Africa south of modern Annaba, Algeria; chief town of Numidia

More from Merriam-Webster on hippo

Nglish: Translation of hippo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hippo

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