zebra

noun

ze·​bra ˈzē-brə How to pronounce zebra (audio)
Canadian and British also ˈze-
plural zebras
1
plural also zebra : any of several swift African mammals (Equus grevyi, E. quagga, and E. zebra) related to the horse but distinctively and conspicuously patterned in stripes of black or dark brown and white or buff
2
[from the shirts patterned in black-and-white stripes worn by football referees] : referee sense 2
3
: zebra crossing
zebrine
ˈzē-ˌbrīn How to pronounce zebra (audio)
Canadian and British also ˈze-
adjective or noun

Examples of zebra 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.
Kenya is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo), and its Maasai Mara National Reserve hosts the annual Great Migration when millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross the ecosystem. — Ashley Lynch july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 For example, different types of fish may swim together in large, blended schools to increase their odds of survival, while ostriches and zebras hang around each to avoid predators thanks to their respective scent and sight capabilities. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 July 2026 Her tattoos include two great white sharks (on her lower back and neck), two zebra sharks, two tiger sharks, two sand tiger sharks and a school of 13 hammerhead sharks. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 26 July 2026 In addition to the giraffes, other wild animals such as southern white rhinos, buffalo, zebras and hundreds of Uganda kobs are being reintroduced. — ABC News, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for zebra

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese zebra, zebro wild ass, perhaps from Latin equiferus, kind of wild horse, from equus horse + ferus wild — more at equine, fierce

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of zebra was in 1597

Phrases Containing zebra

Rhymes for zebra

See All Rhymes for zebra

Browse Nearby Words

zeaxanthin
zebra
zebra antelope
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zebra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zebra. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

zebra

noun
ze·​bra ˈzēb-rə How to pronounce zebra (audio)
plural zebras also zebra
1
: any of several hoofed plant-eating African mammals that are related to the horse, have a hide striped in black or dark brown and white or buff, and are swift runners
2
: a small Indian fish with blue and silver stripes that is often kept in tropical aquariums

More from Merriam-Webster on zebra

Nglish: Translation of zebra for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zebra

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