giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe jə-ˈraf 

plural giraffes

1

or plural giraffe : a large fleet African ruminant mammal (Giraffa camelopardalis) that is the tallest of living quadrupeds and has a very long neck and a short coat with dark blotches separated by pale lines

2

capitalized : camelopardalis

giraffish

jə-ˈra-fish 

adjective

Illustration of giraffe

• giraffe 1

Examples of giraffe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Milwaukee County Zoo animals who died in 2024 The zoo only announced two animal deaths in 2024 — a notable change from 2023 when eight animal deaths were disclosed, including visitor favorites Gordy the groundhog and two giraffes. —Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 30 Dec. 2024

The giraffe herd at the Maryland Zoo has a new member, a 3-year-old female now settling into her new home. —Alexa Dikos, Baltimore Sun, 27 Nov. 2024

The reticulated and Masai giraffes would be considered threatened. —Charna Flam, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024

In addition, the service proposed listing the reticulated giraffe and the Masai giraffe as threatened. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian giraffa, from Arabic zirāfa

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing giraffe

• reticulated giraffe

Kids Definition

giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe ˈjə-ˈraf 

plural giraffes or giraffe

: a large swift cud-chewing spotted African mammal with a very long neck that is the tallest of living four-footed animals