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

Their lineup includes everything from minimalist roller shades to insulating honeycomb designs and versatile zebra styles. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 2 June 2026

Jenn Tran wears a fun zebra-print mini dress at the Neutrogena Signature Suite at Miami Swim Week on May 28. —People Staff, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

Younger consumers are driving much of the shift, increasingly embracing moderation, alcohol-free alternatives, and ‘zebra striping’ between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. —Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026

Although her exact zebra design isn’t on sale, these cow print Sambas bring the same cool-girl energy, complete with pony hair uppers and a softer color palette that’ll be easier to style for summer. —Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 24 May 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