peccary

noun

pec·​ca·​ry ˈpe-kə-rē 

plural peccaries

: any of several largely nocturnal gregarious American mammals resembling the related pigs: such as

a

: a grizzled animal (Dicotyles tajacu) with an indistinct white collar

b

: a blackish animal (Tayassu pecari) with a whitish mouth region

Illustration of peccary

Examples of peccary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As of 2021—after more than a quarter century of effort and the reintroduction of foundational species such as giant anteaters, pampa deer, collared peccaries, and others—Rewilding Argentina has released nine jaguars, marking the first time this top predator was seen in the Iberá area in 70 years. —Karen Catchpole, TIME, 25 July 2024

This behavioral flexibility could help peccaries—and potentially other species—adapt to climate change. —Ethan Freedman, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024

But once average daily highs topped 94 degrees F, peccaries were most active after sunset. —Ethan Freedman, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024

Javelinas are a type of mammal known as a collared peccary. —Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

of Cariban origin; akin to Suriname Carib paki:ra peccary

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

peccary

noun

pec·​ca·​ry ˈpek-ə-rē 

plural peccaries

: either of two American mammals of warm regions that gather in herds, are active usually at night, and look like but are much smaller than the related pigs