capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌka-pi-ˈber-ə 

-ˈba-rə,

-ˈbär-ə 

: a tailless semiaquatic South and Central American rodent (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris) often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length

Illustration of capybara

Examples of capybara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was also the Capin — its surprising inspiration was the capybara, seen in its chocolate suede and golden braid motif on a curving open tote, offered in two sizes. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025

In the series, Panda HoHo will form part of a trio of Brazilian animals, with a Golden Lion Tamarin, a symbol of Brazilian biodiversity, and Capy, an adventurous capybara. —Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 4 Oct. 2025

However, because the animals' natural habitats share some overlap and both have similarly docile dispositions, zoos often group howlers and capybaras together. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025

The larger conversation about caring for capybaras sparks some legal questions about the exotic animal. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese capibara, capivara, alteration of capiiuara, from Tupi kapiʔiwara, from kapíʔi grass, brush + -wara eater

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for capybara

• arikara
• ishihara
• alara
• amara
• antara
• aymara
• bambara
• camara
• damara
• gandhara
• gemara
• gurdwara

Kids Definition

capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌkap-i-ˈbar-ə  -ˈbär- 

: a tailless South American rodent often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length that is often found in or near water