zebra

noun

ze·​bra ˈzē-brə 

Canadian and British also ˈze-

plural zebras

1

plural also zebra : any of several swift African mammals (Equus grevyi, E. quagga, and E. zebra) related to the horse but distinctively and conspicuously patterned in stripes of black or dark brown and white or buff

2

[from the shirts patterned in black-and-white stripes worn by football referees] : referee sense 2

3

: zebra crossing

zebrine

ˈzē-ˌbrīn 

Canadian and British also ˈze-

adjective or noun

Examples of zebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Start with a visit to the Bioparco di Roma zoo, where kids can spot peacocks, penguins, and zebras. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

While the zebra pattern caught my attention, this midiskirt’s knit finish really sold me. —Irene Richardson, InStyle, 6 Apr. 2026

Much like in the fashion world, animal patterns such as cheetah and leopard print are even making a comeback in bolder spaces (although high-contrast black and white is still a no-no, even in zebra prints). —Cori Sears, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 2026

For those who consider animal print a neutral, Matouk’s zebra towels are the jolt of fun your bathroom needs. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese zebra, zebro wild ass, perhaps from Latin equiferus, kind of wild horse, from equus horse + ferus wild — more at equine, fierce

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing zebra

• Grevy's zebra
• zebra crossing
• zebra finch
• zebra fish
• zebra mussel

Rhymes for zebra

• libra

Kids Definition

zebra

noun

ze·​bra ˈzēb-rə 

plural zebras also zebra

1

: any of several hoofed plant-eating African mammals that are related to the horse, have a hide striped in black or dark brown and white or buff, and are swift runners

2

: a small Indian fish with blue and silver stripes that is often kept in tropical aquariums