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giraffe

noun gi·raffe \ jə-ˈraf \
|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Definition of giraffe

plural giraffes
1 or plural giraffe : a large fleet African ruminant mammal (Giraffa camelopardalis) that is the tallest of living quadrupeds and has a very long neck and a short coat with dark blotches separated by pale lines
2 capitalized : camelopardalis
—

giraffish

play \jə-ˈra-fish\ adjective

See giraffe defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of giraffe from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'giraffe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of giraffe

illustration of giraffe

Origin and Etymology of giraffe

Italian giraffa, from Arabic zirāfa

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

GIRAFFE Defined for English Language Learners

giraffe

noun

Definition of giraffe for English Language Learners

  • : a very tall African animal that has an extremely long neck and legs

GIRAFFE Defined for Kids

giraffe

noun gi·raffe \ jə-ˈraf \

Definition of giraffe for Students

: a spotted mammal of Africa with a very long neck that feeds mostly on the leaves of trees and is the tallest of living animals on land

Learn More about giraffe

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of giraffe Nglish: Translation of giraffe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of giraffe for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about giraffe

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