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

Instead of starting all baths at the same time, each zoo measured its capybara's soak individually, allowing animals to begin at their usual bathing hour — a change organizers said created fairer conditions. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026

The capybara, also known as the carpincho, is a semiaquatic mammal native to South America that’s considered the world’s largest rodent. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 15 Dec. 2025

The Sacramento Zoo capybara gave birth Monday to a litter of five pups, the zoo announced Wednesday on social media. —Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025

Baesakul symbolized the interconnection of humans and nature through an interlaced motif interpreted as leather lacing or metal hardware and applied to contemporary shapes that take cues from the Eiffel Tower’s silhouette, the curve of a capybara’s back or even the form of Baesakul’s pet corgi. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 23 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