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 zoo announced that Buttercup gave birth to two capybara pups on April 14, according to a zoo news release. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026

That said, visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of them periodically from the bridge at the capybara habitat. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026

The father of both litters is Goomba, the resident male capybara at the zoo. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026

The $100 admission includes food, beverages, live music, encounters with animals such as sloths and capybaras, and a silent auction. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 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