zebra

UK: ˈzɛbrə | US: ˈziːbrə

Definition

  1. n. A large African wild animal with black-and-white stripes, belonging to the horse family.

Structure
zeb <possibly from Portuguese "zevra">ra <suffix>
Etymology

The word "zebra" likely entered English via Portuguese ("zevra" or "zebra"), which may have derived from Congolese languages (e.g., Kikongo "nzebra"). The exact African origin is debated, but it reflects European adaptation of indigenous names for the striped animal. The "-ra" suffix has no independent meaning; the word is treated as a unified borrowing.

Examples

  1. The zebra grazed peacefully on the savanna.

  2. Children at the zoo were excited to see the zebra's stripes.

  3. A lion stalked a young zebra near the watering hole.

  4. Zebras use their stripes as camouflage against predators.

  5. The documentary highlighted zebra migration patterns.