capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌka-pi-ˈber-ə 

-ˈba-rə, 

-ˈbär-ə 

: a tailless semiaquatic South and Central American rodent (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris) often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length

Illustration of capybara

Examples of capybara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The zoo houses more than 100 animals including lions, tigers and capybaras, according to its website. — Adela Suliman, NBC news, 19 June 2026

There were sharp edges in the kangaroo enclosure, for instance, and damage to the artificial grass floor of the capybara enclosure, inspectors said in January 2024. — Katie Surma, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2026

The young capybara has become an unexpected online star since the zoo announced its arrival last month. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

According to inspectors, the capybara shared an enclosure with a male for about six weeks before she was found dead. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 June 2026

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

Rhymes for capybara

• arikara
• ishihara
• alara
• amara
• antara
• aymara
• bambara
• camara
• damara
• gandhara
• gemara
• gurdwara

Kids Definition

capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌkap-i-ˈbar-ə  -ˈbär- 

: a tailless South American rodent often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length that is often found in or near water