zebra

noun

ze·​bra ˈzē-brə How to pronounce zebra (audio)
 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
zebrine
ˈzē-ˌbrīn How to pronounce zebra (audio)
 Canadian and British also  ˈze-
adjective or noun

Examples of zebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Puglisi’s first sign of a tribute to Cavalli after his death was the decision to change the direction of the resort collection, reworking the zebra and rose prints. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 18 Sep. 2024 How to Wear Leopard Print in the Office The key to incorporating leopard print - or other animal prints like cheetah, zebra or python - into your office wardrobe is balance. Jane Hanson, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 Wearing a blouse with a zebra motif and puffed sleeves allows Sagittarius to show off their worldly escapades and rambunctious spirit through their exquisite fashion choices. Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024 The signature suite is a visual feast, featuring Furstenberg’s distinctive aesthetic–think zebra rugs, bold patterns, and pops of bright colors. Leila Najafi, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zebra 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zebra.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of zebra was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near zebra

Cite this Entry

“Zebra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zebra. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

zebra

noun
ze·​bra ˈzēb-rə How to pronounce zebra (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on zebra

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