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, 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

Migrating zebras and noisy elephants Arriving at Leroo La Tau Lodge, perched on the western flank of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, brought a cluster of surprises. —Lucie Grace, TheWeek, 17 Apr. 2026

Around age 2 — a stage when young zebras naturally begin separating from their herd — Kurtsie started gravitating toward Bakari. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026

Bakari and Kurtsie Are an Inseparable Pair Today, the gentle giraffe and baby zebra spend nearly all their time together. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026

State guidance indicates that individuals keeping exotic animals like zebras should have at least two years of experience working with such animals, including direct experience handling zebras. —Richard Ramos, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for zebra

• libra

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