zebra
ZEHB-ruh
Zebra (noun) means a wild African horse-like animal with black-and-white stripes. Example: “A herd of zebra grazed near the watering hole.”
noun
1
A wild African horse-like animal with black-and-white stripes.
"A herd of zebra grazed near the watering hole."
"The stripes on a zebra are unique to each individual, like a fingerprint."
2
Informal term for a sports referee, from the black-and-white striped shirt they wear.
"The crowd booed the zebra after the controversial call."
3
In medicine, an unlikely or exotic diagnosis, as opposed to a common one.
"The professor reminded the students: don't chase zebras when it's probably just a common cold."
How to use zebra
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe striped African animal — and, informally, a nickname for referees or for rare medical diagnoses.
Memory tip
The medical saying "when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras" means: assume the common explanation first.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a herd of zebra
zebra crossing
chasing zebras
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Word forms
- Plural
- zebras
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A herd of _____ grazed near the watering hole.
Etymology
Traced through Portuguese zebra/zebro back to Latin equiferus ("wild horse"), from equus ("horse") + ferus ("wild").
Rhymes for zebra
See all rhymes for zebra →Frequently asked questions
What does “zebra” mean?
The word “zebra” means a wild African horse-like animal with black-and-white stripes. In plain terms, the striped African animal — and, informally, a nickname for referees or for rare medical diagnoses.
How do you pronounce “zebra”?
“Zebra” is pronounced ZEHB-ruh (/ˈzɛbɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “zebra” in a sentence?
Here is “zebra” used in a sentence: “A herd of zebra grazed near the watering hole.”
What part of speech is “zebra”?
“Zebra” is a noun.
Where does the word “zebra” come from?
The word “zebra” comes from Latin. Traced through Portuguese zebra/zebro back to Latin equiferus ("wild horse"), from equus ("horse") + ferus ("wild").
Is “zebra” a common word?
“Zebra” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “zebra” have?
“Zebra” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a wild African horse-like animal with black-and-white stripes.
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