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

Grow zebra plant in bright light, and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. —Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2024

Choose from patterns and colors like zebra print, a soft camel shade, or this bold blue. $195 at Sabah Soft Italian leather meets traditional African Kanga fabric in these bold and lightweight ballet flats. —Erinne Magee, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Nov. 2024

Only to spend my money on senseless, completely gratuitous experiences, without zebras or anything. —Christian Kracht, Harper's Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024

Vegan safari After blowing up in 2024, leopard print is nowhere near done for 2025—in fact, it’s being joined by snakeskin, zebra, and almost the entire animal kingdom. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 18 Dec. 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