peccary

noun

pec·​ca·​ry ˈpe-kə-rē How to pronounce peccary (audio)
plural peccaries
: any of several largely nocturnal gregarious American mammals resembling the related pigs: such as
a
: a grizzled animal (Dicotyles tajacu) with an indistinct white collar
b
: a blackish animal (Tayassu pecari) with a whitish mouth region

Illustration of peccary

Illustration of peccary

Examples of peccary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web As of 2021—after more than a quarter century of effort and the reintroduction of foundational species such as giant anteaters, pampa deer, collared peccaries, and others—Rewilding Argentina has released nine jaguars, marking the first time this top predator was seen in the Iberá area in 70 years. Karen Catchpole, TIME, 25 July 2024 This behavioral flexibility could help peccaries—and potentially other species—adapt to climate change. Ethan Freedman, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024 But once average daily highs topped 94 degrees F, peccaries were most active after sunset. Ethan Freedman, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024 Javelinas are a type of mammal known as a collared peccary. Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for peccary 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peccary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

of Cariban origin; akin to Suriname Carib paki:ra peccary

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peccary was in 1697

Dictionary Entries Near peccary

Cite this Entry

“Peccary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peccary. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

peccary

noun
pec·​ca·​ry ˈpek-ə-rē How to pronounce peccary (audio)
plural peccaries
: either of two American mammals of warm regions that gather in herds, are active usually at night, and look like but are much smaller than the related pigs

More from Merriam-Webster on peccary

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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