giraffe

gi·raffe | \ jə-ˈraf

How to pronounce giraffe (audio)

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plural giraffes

Definition of giraffe

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

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Examples of giraffe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If González had his way, the new addition to the herd of giraffes would be called Sarita. — Washington Post, "Mexico City zoo welcomes second baby giraffe of the year," 29 Dec. 2019 The zoo cares for a total of seven giraffes, according to spokeswoman Linda Hardwick. — Chelsea Curtis, azcentral, "The Phoenix Zoo's 'most mischievous and outgoing giraffe' has died at age 14," 22 Dec. 2019 Evening fell soft upon the savannah, and the giraffe slept soundly, curled up on the ground. — Riane Konc, The New Yorker, "Aesop’s Fables Written After a Bad Breakup," 5 Feb. 2020 The latest addition to the zoo’s family is the 17th giraffe born there since 1889. — Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, "Baby Giraffe Born at the Cincinnati Zoo Just Days After the Death of Its Father," 25 Nov. 2019 Perhaps your eye is drawn to the tall and graceful giraffe or the sly cheetah. — Kathryn Gregory, The Courier-Journal, "'The Lion King' roars into Louisville with stunning costumes and vibrant choreography," 2 Nov. 2019 Como Zoo’s giraffes are available for sponsorship, a unique way to help with wildlife conservation efforts. — J.d. Duggan, Twin Cities, "Como Zoo names its baby giraffe," 21 Oct. 2019 The reason for the giraffe’s six-foot neck remains a mys- tery. — National Geographic, "Unique anatomy sets giraffe apart in the animal kingdom," 20 Sep. 2019 Attenborough warns, as the giraffes begin to clash. — Gareth Arnott, Scientific American, "What Are Animals Thinking when They Face Off?," 12 Aug. 2019

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.

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Last Updated

24 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Giraffe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giraffe. Accessed 28 Feb. 2020.

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