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

Pairs of multibar angelfish, with their zebra-like stripes and bright yellow bellies, darted across a field of silvery staghorn coral. —Gisela Williams, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026

Treks double as safaris, as animals like ostriches, eland, zebra, and caracal call the reserve home (entry fee $26). —Jen Murphy, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026

Sez Me … NFL officials, also known as zebras, also known as a lot of things not for print, are criticized. —Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026

Princess Jane, decked out in bright-green zebra stripes, doesn’t get it either. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025

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