hippo

noun

hip·​po ˈhi-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce hippo (audio)
plural hippos

Examples of hippo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The hippo features a revolving bottle rack, glass storage, ice bucket, and serving tray, from which its previous owner reportedly served chips and salsa. Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 11 Dec. 2025 The hippo represents Michaela (Michi) Benthaus' favorite animal. Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Dec. 2025 That’s what keeps me from feeding bears in national parks, or attempting to hug a baby hippo with its mother watching. David Sedaris, New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2025 When untold numbers of people see themselves in a screaming baby pygmy hippo, what does that tell us about where things are at? Hazlitt, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hippo

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hippo was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hippo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hippo. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

hippo

noun
hip·​po ˈhip-ō How to pronounce hippo (audio)
plural hippos

Geographical Definition

Hippo

geographical name

Hip·​po ˈhi-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce Hippo (audio)
variants or Hippo Regius
ˈrē-jəs How to pronounce Hippo (audio)
-jē-əs
ancient city in northern Africa south of modern Annaba, Algeria; chief town of Numidia

More from Merriam-Webster on hippo

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