capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌka-pi-ˈber-ə 

-ˈba-rə,

-ˈbär-ə 

: a tailless semiaquatic South and Central American rodent (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris) often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length

Illustration of capybara

Examples of capybara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At one point late in the action, the van stops by the roadside, where Anika gets out and approaches a wild capybara emerging from the brush. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025

How does one get assigned to write six thousand words about capybaras for The New Yorker? —Caroline Mimbs Nyce, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2025

There are cuddly plush capybaras and stretchy or squishy ones. —CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024

At Houston zoo, animals from traditionally warm habitats, including an African elephant and capybaras, were seen frolicking in the snow in heartwarming footage. —Alice Gibbs, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese capibara, capivara, alteration of capiiuara, from Tupi kapiʔiwara, from kapíʔi grass, brush + -wara eater

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for capybara

• arikara
• ishihara
• alara
• amara
• antara
• aymara
• bambara
• camara
• damara
• gandhara
• gemara
• gurdwara

Kids Definition

capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌkap-i-ˈbar-ə  -ˈbär- 

: a tailless South American rodent often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length that is often found in or near water