hyena

noun

hy·​e·​na hī-ˈē-nə 

plural hyenas also hyena

: any of several large strong nocturnal carnivorous Old World mammals (family Hyaenidae) that usually feed as scavengers

hyenic

hī-ˈē-nik 

-ˈe-nik

adjective

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There are three species of hyena— doglike carnivores found in Asia and Africa. Actually more closely related to cats than to dogs, hyenas have coarse fur, four toes on each foot, long forelegs, claws that do not retract, and enormously strong jaws and teeth. They live alone or in packs and may be active by night or day. Hyenas are noted for scavenging but will also attack live prey. The spotted, or laughing, hyena, whose calls alternately resemble wailing and maniacal laughter, ranges through much of sub-Saharan Africa. Yellowish or grayish with dark spots, it is about 6½ ft (1.8 m) long, including the 12-in (30-cm) tail, and weighs up to 175 lb (80 kg). The hyena has been known to attack people and even to carry off young children.

Examples of hyena in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Subversion, in other words, is the hyena of international relations. —William C. Wohlforth, Foreign Affairs, 22 June 2021

Wandering hyenas and cattle contaminated the water shared among the village. —Acsah Lemma, Sacramento Bee, 13 June 2024

The Phoenix Zoo opened a new Predator Passage exhibit in 2023, giving visitors a glimpse of African lions, hyenas, meerkats, leopards, Rüppell’s Griffon vultures and Red River hogs. —Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 11 June 2024

The work was challenging, in part, because acid from goat poop and from the digestive systems of hyenas chowing down on the bones had obliterated much of the fossil DNA. —Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English hyane, hyene, borrowed from Anglo-French hyene, borrowed from Latin hyaena "striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena)," borrowed from Greek hýaina, from hy-, hŷs "swine (of either gender, wild or domesticated)" + -aina, noun suffix — more at sow entry 1

Note: The allusion in the name, which could be taken to mean "female swine," is presumably from the animal's supposed resemblance to a hog. For the value of the suffix -aina, see note at baleen.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hyena

• laughing hyena
• spotted hyena

Kids Definition

hyena

noun

hy·​e·​na hī-ˈē-nə 

: any of several large strong Old World mammals that eat flesh and are active at night