capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌka-pi-ˈber-ə How to pronounce capybara (audio)
-ˈba-rə
-ˈbär-ə How to pronounce capybara (audio)
: a tailless semiaquatic South and Central American rodent (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris) often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length

Illustration of capybara

Illustration of capybara

Examples of capybara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There's capybaras named after food, an Asian elephant named after Kirby Drive and California sea lions named for donors. Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 8 May 2026 The only rodent larger than the beaver is the capybara of Central and South America. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 7 May 2026 The Sacramento Zoo welcomed a litter of capybara pups last weekend, zoo officials announced Monday. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026 The father of both litters is Goomba, the resident male capybara at the zoo. Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capybara

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese capibara, capivara, alteration of capiiuara, from Tupi kapiʔiwara, from kapíʔi grass, brush + -wara eater

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of capybara was in 1774

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Cite this Entry

“Capybara.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capybara. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

capybara

noun
cap·​y·​bara ˌkap-i-ˈbar-ə How to pronounce capybara (audio) -ˈbär- How to pronounce capybara (audio)
: a tailless South American rodent often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length that is often found in or near water

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