giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe jə-ˈraf 

plural giraffes

1

or plural giraffe : a large fleet African ruminant mammal (Giraffa camelopardalis) that is the tallest of living quadrupeds and has a very long neck and a short coat with dark blotches separated by pale lines

2

Giraffe : camelopardalis

giraffish

jə-ˈra-fish 

adjective

Illustration of giraffe

• giraffe 1

Examples of giraffe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Caves and overhangs here have protected at least 15,000 examples of rock art, some thought to be 10,000 years old, depicting people hunting or dancing, giraffes, cattle, and jars possibly for carrying water as the region dried up. — Heather Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Nov. 2026

The land is also home to an array of exotic wildlife, including giraffes. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026

The ranch houses at least 750 animals from six continents, everything from antelope to giraffes. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2026

The median life expectancy for a giraffe in human care is 20 years, according to the association. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian giraffa, from Arabic zirāfa

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing giraffe

• reticulated giraffe

Rhymes for giraffe

• behalf
• carafe
• distaff
• falstaff
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph

Kids Definition

giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe ˈjə-ˈraf 

plural giraffes or giraffe

: a large swift cud-chewing spotted African mammal with a very long neck that is the tallest of living four-footed animals