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

How to Wear Leopard Print in the Office The key to incorporating leopard print - or other animal prints like cheetah, zebra or python - into your office wardrobe is balance. —Jane Hanson, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

Wearing a blouse with a zebra motif and puffed sleeves allows Sagittarius to show off their worldly escapades and rambunctious spirit through their exquisite fashion choices. —Lisa Stardust, Peoplemag, 18 Aug. 2024

The signature suite is a visual feast, featuring Furstenberg’s distinctive aesthetic–think zebra rugs, bold patterns, and pops of bright colors. —Leila Najafi, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2024

Then, just yesterday, the stylish stars were spotting hitting the beach—Rihanna in a saucy little Brat-green zebra dress, no less!—and carousing on a luxury yacht. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Aug. 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