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

Inside South Africa’s skeleton trade Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famous—is that a problem? 5 surprising ways elephants have evolved Animals Interactive Graphic 5 surprising ways elephants have evolved Elephants are learning to live with us. —Animals, 20 Apr. 2023

Inside South Africa’s skeleton trade Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famous—is that a problem? —Travel, 20 Apr. 2023

Among Gatorland’s full-time residents are alligators, crocodiles, tortoises, snakes, birds, capybaras and bobcats. —Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2023

Now the zoo has revealed that its capybara colony has grown to 11 with the new addition of five new pups that were born just two weeks ago. —Ariana Garcia, Chron, 2 Apr. 2023

Guesses on the Facebook post included a badger, an otter and a capybara, among others. —Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2023

Participants have 10-12 minutes of climbing time before encountering a 150-foot-long rope bridge that leads to a 350-foot zip line that travels above Gatorland’s capybara population. —Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2023

Our capybara family has expanded! —Ariana Garcia, Chron, 2 Apr. 2023

Scientists in the region warn hippo feces changes the composition of local rivers, impacting the habits of manatees and capybaras. —Diego Lasarte, Quartz, 3 Mar. 2023

See More

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

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