Illustration 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
It is not known how many okapi exist in the wild at this time, but conservationists say their population may have been reduced by as much as half in the past two decades.
—
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
During a visit to the Congo Expedition exhibit, patrons can spot tropical rainforest-dwelling creatures like the okapi and western lowland gorilla, while the Asia Quest zone draws crowds in droves thanks to residents like the Asian elephant, Amur tiger and Pallas’ cat.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
The okapi’s scientific name, okapia johnstoni, is named after Johnston, though indigenous people had already known of the okapi’s existence long before.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024
The calf is from a species called okapi, the only living relative of the giraffe, the zoo said in a news release.
—Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for okapi
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.
Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
During a visit to the Congo Expedition exhibit, patrons can spot tropical rainforest-dwelling creatures like the okapi and western lowland gorilla, while the Asia Quest zone draws crowds in droves thanks to residents like the Asian elephant, Amur tiger and Pallas’ cat.
—Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
The okapi’s scientific name, okapia johnstoni, is named after Johnston, though indigenous people had already known of the okapi’s existence long before.
—Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024
The calf is from a species called okapi, the only living relative of the giraffe, the zoo said in a news release.
—Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for okapi
Cite this Entry
“Okapi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/okapi. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
okapi
noun
oka·pi
ō-ˈkäp-ē 
: an African mammal closely related to the giraffe but lacking the long neck
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share