giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe jə-ˈraf 

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

Giraffe : camelopardalis

giraffish

jə-ˈra-fish 

adjective

Illustration of giraffe

• giraffe 1

Examples of giraffe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are four different species of giraffe, each with their own coat pattern variation. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 18 July 2026

Giraffes also have a long way to fall when they’re anesthetized, which can lead to injuries. — Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026

Today, most poaching in the area is done not for elephant tusks or rhino horn, as in the past, but for bushmeat, particularly zebra, buffalo, and giraffe. — Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Gracie is one of two giraffes who live on the property. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian giraffa, from Arabic zirāfa

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing giraffe

• reticulated giraffe

Rhymes for giraffe

• behalf
• carafe
• distaff
• falstaff
• autograph
• biograph
• cenotaph
• chronograph
• epigraph
• epitaph
• hodograph
• holograph

Kids Definition

giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe ˈjə-ˈraf 

plural giraffes or giraffe

: a large swift cud-chewing spotted African mammal with a very long neck that is the tallest of living four-footed animals