noun

hippopotamus

hihp-uh-POT-uh-muhs

Hippopotamus (noun) means a large, thick-skinned African mammal that spends much of its time in rivers and lakes. Example: “A hippopotamus can weigh over a tonne despite its short legs.”

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noun

A large, thick-skinned African mammal that spends much of its time in rivers and lakes.

"A hippopotamus can weigh over a tonne despite its short legs."

"Tourists watched a hippopotamus wade slowly into the river."

How to use hippopotamus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA big, semi-aquatic African animal, often just called a "hippo" for short.

Memory tip

The informal short form "hippo" is far more common in everyday speech.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

hippopotami plural, hippopotamuses plural, hippopotamus plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ can weigh over a tonne despite its short legs.

Etymology

From Greek hippopótamos, literally "river horse" (híppos "horse" + potamós "river").

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for hippopotamus

Camus shamus Seamus Pyramus ignoramus Nostradamus hypothalamus

See all rhymes for hippopotamus →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hippopotamus” mean?

The word “hippopotamus” means a large, thick-skinned African mammal that spends much of its time in rivers and lakes. In plain terms, a big, semi-aquatic African animal, often just called a "hippo" for short.

How do you pronounce “hippopotamus”?

“Hippopotamus” is pronounced hihp-uh-POT-uh-muhs (/ˌhɪp.əˈpɑ.tə.məs/ in IPA).

How do you use “hippopotamus” in a sentence?

Here is “hippopotamus” used in a sentence: “A hippopotamus can weigh over a tonne despite its short legs.”

What part of speech is “hippopotamus”?

“Hippopotamus” is a noun.

Where does the word “hippopotamus” come from?

The word “hippopotamus” comes from Greek. From Greek hippopótamos, literally "river horse" (híppos "horse" + potamós "river").