safari
suh-FAHR-ee
Safari (noun) means a trip into the wild to observe, photograph, or hunt animals in their natural habitat. Example: “They booked a two-week safari in Kenya to see elephants and lions up close.”
noun
1
A trip into the wild to observe, photograph, or hunt animals in their natural habitat.
"They booked a two-week safari in Kenya to see elephants and lions up close."
"Our safari guide spotted a leopard resting in a tree at dawn."
"We spent the whole morning on safari, watching zebras drink at the waterhole."
2
Any expedition undertaken to track down something new or collect prizes.
"The collectors went on a weekend safari through flea markets hunting for rare vinyl."
"The children went on a treasure safari around the garden, searching for hidden chocolate eggs."
"Every Saturday she goes on a bargain safari through the charity shops of the town."
How to use safari
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA journey to see or hunt wild animals in their own environment, usually in Africa.
Common pairings
go on safari
safari park
safari guide
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Word forms
- Plural
- safaris
- Third person singular
- safaris
- Past tense
- safaried
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They booked a two-week _____ in Kenya to see elephants and lions up close.
Etymology
From Swahili safari ("journey"), itself borrowed from Arabic safar ("a journey" or "travel").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for safari
See all rhymes for safari →Frequently asked questions
What does “safari” mean?
The word “safari” means a trip into the wild to observe, photograph, or hunt animals in their natural habitat. In plain terms, a journey to see or hunt wild animals in their own environment, usually in Africa.
How do you pronounce “safari”?
“Safari” is pronounced suh-FAHR-ee (/səˈfɑːɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “safari” in a sentence?
Here is “safari” used in a sentence: “They booked a two-week safari in Kenya to see elephants and lions up close.”
What part of speech is “safari”?
“Safari” is a noun.
Where does the word “safari” come from?
The word “safari” comes from Arabic. From Swahili safari ("journey"), itself borrowed from Arabic safar ("a journey" or "travel").
Is “safari” a common word?
“Safari” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “safari” have?
“Safari” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a trip into the wild to observe, photograph, or hunt animals in their natural habitat.
What is the difference between a safari and an expedition?
A safari specifically refers to a trip into the wild to observe, photograph, or hunt animals in their natural habitat, while an expedition is a broader term for any organized journey undertaken for exploration, research, or a specific purpose. All safaris could be described as a type of expedition, but not all expeditions involve wildlife.
Does 'safari' only refer to trips involving animals?
No, safari can also describe any expedition undertaken to track down something new or collect prizes, extending beyond wildlife-watching to other kinds of adventurous, goal-driven trips. This broader sense keeps the spirit of exploration and pursuit central to the word's meaning.
What kind of animals are typically seen on a safari?
A safari traditionally involves observing or photographing wild animals in their natural habitat, commonly in African savanna or bush environments, such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. The core idea is experiencing wildlife in the setting where it naturally lives, rather than in captivity.
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