Simple Definition of hippopotamus

from our Learner's Dictionary

hippopotamus

noun

plural hippopotamuses or hippopotami -ˌmaɪ How to pronounce hippopotamus (audio)
: a large African animal that has an extremely large head and mouth and short legs and that spends most of its time in water

Cite this Entry

“Hippopotamus.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/hippopotamus. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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