hyena
2 synonyms for hyena, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A medium-to-large carnivorous mammal native to Africa and Asia, known for a call that sounds like laughing.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
hyaena
hyaenid
How to use hyena
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pack of hyenas
laughing hyena
spotted hyena
Etymology
From Old French hiene, from Latin hyaena, ultimately from Greek hyaina — related to hys, meaning "pig," possibly from a resemblance in the animal's bristled back.
Full origin of hyena →Frequently asked questions
What does “hyena” mean?
The word “hyena” means a medium-to-large carnivorous mammal native to Africa and Asia, known for a call that sounds like laughing. In plain terms, a scavenging African/Asian carnivore famous for its laugh-like call.
How do you pronounce “hyena”?
“Hyena” is pronounced heye-EE-nuh (/haɪˈiːnə/ in IPA).
How do you use “hyena” in a sentence?
Here is “hyena” used in a sentence: “A pack of hyenas circled the lion's kill, waiting for scraps.”
What is another word for “hyena”?
Words with a similar meaning to “hyena” include hyaenid.
What part of speech is “hyena”?
“Hyena” is a noun.
Where does the word “hyena” come from?
The word “hyena” comes from Latin. From Old French hiene, from Latin hyaena, ultimately from Greek hyaina — related to hys, meaning "pig," possibly from a resemblance in the animal's bristled back.
