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

The capybara swim happened at Wichabai Ranch, where a rewilding conservation program has given a small group of them a lake and, apparently, free rein over the guests. —Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026

One day, the boy placed a sticker of a cartoon capybara wearing a prosthetic leg onto her own prosthetic. —ABC News, 27 May 2026

Home to various unique Latin American species, visitors can spot the likes of giant anteaters, giant otters, capybaras, anaconda, macaws, perhaps a jaguar or two among other species. —Kissa Castaneda, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026

There's capybaras named after food, an Asian elephant named after Kirby Drive and California sea lions named for donors. —Peter Warren, Houston Chronicle, 8 May 2026

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