hippo

noun

hip·​po ˈhi-(ˌ)pō 

plural hippos

: hippopotamus

Examples of hippo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Oznur Bell One of the journey’s guides, who was operating the vessel, spotted the hippo and slowed the boat in an attempt not to disturb it, Oznur said. — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026

The tiny female hippo is already drawing comparisons to the beloved Moo Deng, the Thai baby pygmy hippo who became a global sensation in 2024. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026

In the Africa section, the zoo eyes a revamp of the hippo and crocodile habitats and at least one additional exhibit. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026

See an exclusive clip from Hungry, featuring its killer hippo in all its rampaging glory. — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hippo

noun

hip·​po ˈhip-ō 

plural hippos

: hippopotamus

Geographical Definition

Hippo

geographical name

Hip·​po ˈhi-(ˌ)pō 

variants or Hippo Regius

ˈrē-jəs 

-jē-əs

ancient city in northern Africa south of modern Annaba, Algeria; chief town of Numidia