pygmy hippopotamus
noun
: a small hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis synonym Hexaprotodon liberiensis) of western Africa and especially Liberia that may reach a weight of nearly 600 pounds (270 kilograms)
Note: In addition to its smaller size, the pygmy hippopotamus differs from the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) in being nocturnal and less aquatic and in having a rounder head with the eyes set to the sides, less webbing between the toes, and only one pair of lower incisor teeth.
Examples of pygmy hippopotamus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Read more about this unbearably adorable two-month-old baby pygmy hippopotamus at the link in bio.
—
Rebecca Schneid, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
Zoo Miami’s beloved pygmy hippopotamus, Aubergine, got some extra care this week after showing signs of lethargy and a drop in appetite.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 19 July 2025
The world's favorite pygmy hippopotamus is stunning in a new, all-natural look.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Yet this development should also consider the environmental value of the forested ecosystems of the country, which have great potential for attracting high end conservation tourism to view charismatic endangered species such as the pygmy hippopotamus.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
In fact, Roan revealed on Yang's own podcast that she was never offended at all by Yang's Weekend Update performance in 2024 as the viral baby pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng — so her fans shouldn't have been on her behalf.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia announced the name of its very own baby pygmy hippopotamus on Monday: Poppy.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
The music video stars the pygmy hippopotamus, who lives at a zoo in Thailand, bouncing around in her trademark style in a loop.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
My name is Moo Deng, a female pygmy hippopotamus born on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
—Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024
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.
Rebecca Schneid, Time, 14 Oct. 2025
Zoo Miami’s beloved pygmy hippopotamus, Aubergine, got some extra care this week after showing signs of lethargy and a drop in appetite.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 19 July 2025
The world's favorite pygmy hippopotamus is stunning in a new, all-natural look.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Yet this development should also consider the environmental value of the forested ecosystems of the country, which have great potential for attracting high end conservation tourism to view charismatic endangered species such as the pygmy hippopotamus.
—Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
In fact, Roan revealed on Yang's own podcast that she was never offended at all by Yang's Weekend Update performance in 2024 as the viral baby pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng — so her fans shouldn't have been on her behalf.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The Metro Richmond Zoo in Virginia announced the name of its very own baby pygmy hippopotamus on Monday: Poppy.
—Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
The music video stars the pygmy hippopotamus, who lives at a zoo in Thailand, bouncing around in her trademark style in a loop.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
My name is Moo Deng, a female pygmy hippopotamus born on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
—Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Pygmy hippopotamus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pygmy%20hippopotamus. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share