okapi

noun

oka·pi | \ ō-ˈkä-pē

Definition of okapi

: an African ungulate mammal (Okapia johnstoni) that is closely related to the giraffe but has a relatively short neck, a coat typically of solid reddish chestnut on the trunk, yellowish white on the cheeks, and purplish-black and cream rings on the upper parts of the legs

Examples of okapi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web On the other hand, the giraffe has lost at least 53 olfactory genes compared with the okapi. — Sofia Moutinho, Science | AAAS, 17 Mar. 2021 The new animal, named Ede by zookeepers, was born on September 21 after its mother, Oni the okapi, went into labor the previous evening, according to a news release. — Ally Mauch, PEOPLE.com, 30 Sep. 2020 Behavior and reproduction Active during the day, the elusive okapi prefers to be alone. — National Geographic, 2 Mar. 2020 Included on the tour is an okapi, black rhino, hippo, African wild dog, Masai Giraffe, African elephant, lion, warthog and white rhino — which Katelyn says is her favorite. — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE.com, 6 Apr. 2020 The okapi is the giraffe’s closest living relative. — National Geographic, 20 Sep. 2019 Scientists first became aware of the okapi, which has a long tongue and legs proportioned like those of a giraffe, at the turn of the 20th century. — National Geographic, 20 Sep. 2019 Meghan the baby okapi was born at a London zoo in December after a 30-minute labor. — Felice León, The Root, 18 Jan. 2018 In fact, their endangered status is part of the reason why (okapi) Meghan got her name. — Evelyn Wang, Teen Vogue, 18 Jan. 2018

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