white rhinoceros

noun

variants: or white rhino

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of white rhinoceros

: a rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) of southern and central Africa that is distinguished from the black rhinoceros especially by larger size and by a squared upper lip lacking a protrusion

Recent Examples of white rhinoceros from the Web

Image When the last male northern white rhinoceros died in March, people mourned the beloved mammal’s step toward extinction.

— New York Times, "Scientists See Promise in Resurrecting These Rhinos That Are Nearly Extinct," 24 May 2018
For over 20 years, Thomas Hildebrandt has harbored a dream: to save the northern white rhinoceros, the world’s rarest large mammal.

— kate connolloy, WIRED, "How a Store of Rhino Semen Could Save the Species," 26 Mar. 2018
Sudan, the last male northern white rhinoceros, died in Kenya, spelling almost certain extinction for one of Africa's iconic species, officials announced Tuesday.

— robyn dixon, latimes.com, "The last male northern white rhino has died, spelling probable extinction for the species," 20 Mar. 2018
The last male northern white rhinoceros died on Monday at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya following a series of infections and other health problems.

— rachel nuwer, New York Times, "Sudan, the Last Male Northern White Rhino, Dies in Kenya," 20 Mar. 2018
The last male northern white rhinoceros, Sudan, died Monday, leaving only two females alive.

— nishan degnarain, Fortune, "Commentary: These Technologies Could Save the Northern White Rhino From Extinction," 20 Mar. 2018
The beleaguered northern white rhinoceros moved closer to extinction this week after conservationists announced that the health of the only surviving male of the species was deteriorating.

— ann m. simmons, latimes.com, "With the last male ailing, the northern white rhino is almost gone," 2 Mar. 2018

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