zebra

noun

ze·​bra ˈzē-brə 

 Canadian and British also  ˈze-

plural zebras

1

plural also zebra : any of several swift African mammals (Equus grevyi, E. quagga, and E. zebra) related to the horse but distinctively and conspicuously patterned in stripes of black or dark brown and white or buff

2

[from the shirts patterned in black-and-white stripes worn by football referees] : referee sense 2

3

: zebra crossing

zebrine

ˈzē-ˌbrīn 

 Canadian and British also  ˈze-

adjective or noun

Examples of zebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The state Department of Water Resources has since 2007 had a program in place to monitor for the presence of zebra and quagga mussels at various locations in the Delta and throughout the State Water Project. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024

The journey is lead by a local Samburu guide who will show participants how to follow the tracks of African iconic animals like kudu or zebra and will set up camp under starry skies As part of the experience, guests will meet with a Samburu tribe and learn about their daily rituals. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

One of the lions may have sustained damage from a kick or a blow from a buffalo or zebra, which resulted in its inability to hunt normal prey efficiently, according to their research. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024

From July to October, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals migrate to the park from the Serengeti in search of pasture, a massive journey known as the Great Migration. —Bygeoffrey Kamadi, science.org, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese zebra, zebro wild ass, perhaps from Latin equiferus, kind of wild horse, from equus horse + ferus wild — more at equine, fierce

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing zebra

• Grevy's zebra
• zebra crossing
• zebra finch
• zebra fish
• zebra mussel

Kids Definition

zebra

noun

ze·​bra ˈzēb-rə 

plural zebras also zebra

1

: any of several hoofed plant-eating African mammals that are related to the horse, have a hide striped in black or dark brown and white or buff, and are swift runners

2

: a small Indian fish with blue and silver stripes that is often kept in tropical aquariums