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

Other animals like zebras, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, and more soon follow, benefiting from the elephants’ labor. — Nicholas Derenzo, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2026

Staff are actively working to find new companions for the surviving zebra. — Jack Perry, The Providence Journal, 10 Sep. 2026

One guest doubled-down on the color’s funky appeal, pairing a bright green top with a zebra-print midi skirt. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026

Bold gold statement earrings with extra ear cuffs and studs, along with metallic gold rings, popped against the zebra print. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 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