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noun

okapi

oh-KAH-pee
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Okapi (noun) means a shy, forest-dwelling relative of the giraffe from the Congo, with a short neck, a chestnut-brown body and striped legs and rump. Example: “The okapi is related to the giraffe.”

noun
1
A shy, forest-dwelling relative of the giraffe from the Congo, with a short neck, a chestnut-brown body and striped legs and rump.
"The okapi is related to the giraffe."
"We saw an okapi with a striped rump at the zoo."
"Okapis live in the rainforests of the Congo."

How to use okapi

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA striped, short-necked cousin of the giraffe from the Congo.

When to use it

A neutral, everyday word for the animal.

Memory tip

The plural is either okapi or okapis.

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Common pairings
a young okapi okapi stripes an okapi at the zoo
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Test yourself on “okapi” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ is related to the giraffe.

Etymology

Okapi was borrowed into English from the word okapi in Mvuba.

Origin: Mvuba

forest giraffe

Rhymes for okapi

API
See all rhymes for okapi →

Frequently asked questions

What is an okapi?
An okapi is a shy rainforest animal from the Congo. It is a relative of the giraffe, but its neck is far shorter.
Is an okapi a zebra or a giraffe?
It is related to the giraffe, not the zebra. The stripes on its rump only look like a zebra's.
What is the plural of okapi?
The plural can be either okapi or okapis.
What is the meaning of okapi?
"okapi" (noun) means a shy, forest-dwelling relative of the giraffe from the Congo, with a short neck, a chestnut-brown body and striped legs and rump.
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial