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

Instead of just focusing on the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo, people want to see other animals including wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, hippos, and over 500 species of birds. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026

The runways have reflected the trend with eclectic animal prints in bold colors, with Chanel’s recent Métiers d’arts collection showcasing zebra and poison dart frog patterns in bright yellows, reds, and turquoise. —John Monaco, InStyle, 9 June 2026

The zebra-print canvas exterior, silver-tone hardware, and structured silhouette make a statement while remaining surprisingly versatile, thanks to its neutral cream and black color palette that doesn’t overpower an outfit. —Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026

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