zebra

noun

ze·​bra ˈzē-brə 

 Canadian and British also  ˈze-

plural zebras

1

plural also zebra : any of several swift African mammals (Equus grevyi, E. quagga synonym E. burchelli, and E. zebra) related to the horse but distinctively and conspicuously patterned in stripes of black or dark brown and white or buff

2

[from the shirts patterned in black-and-white stripes worn by football referees] : referee sense 2

3

: zebra crossing

zebrine

ˈzē-ˌbrīn 

 Canadian and British also  ˈze-

adjective or noun

Examples of zebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At Discovery Cove, a $79 upgrade allows guests to participate in a shark snorkel with more than 20 blacktip reef, nurse, zebra, whitetip reef and bonnethead sharks. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2024

Trooper Rick Johnson, public information officer for Washington State Patrol District 2 in King County, said four zebras got loose on Interstate 90 near the North Bend exit. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 29 Apr. 2024

On May 24, Stuart, a zebra, died after colliding with a fence. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2024

In Africa, Namib Desert mountain zebras, a vulnerable species, have been bred by donkeys. —Discover Magazine, 5 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese zebra, zebro wild ass, perhaps from Latin equiferus, kind of wild horse, from equus horse + ferus wild — more at equine, fierce

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing zebra

• Grevy's zebra
• zebra crossing
• zebra finch
• zebra fish
• zebra mussel

Kids Definition

zebra

noun

ze·​bra ˈzēb-rə 

plural zebras also zebra

1

: any of several hoofed plant-eating African mammals that are related to the horse, have a hide striped in black or dark brown and white or buff, and are swift runners

2

: a small Indian fish with blue and silver stripes that is often kept in tropical aquariums