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

While lions generally prefer large ungulates like zebras and wildebeest, ecological disruptions can force them to seek alternate food sources—in this case, humans. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025

Likewise, designers such as Jacquemus and Roberto Cavalli have recently hopped on the trend, showcasing a variety of bold zebra print pencil skirts, bags, and wrap coats on the runway. —Rosana Lai, Glamour, 26 Dec. 2024

Flamingos flock here by the thousands to feed on the brine shrimp that have been trapped in the dry salt like pre-watered Sea-Monkeys, and zebras and wildebeest pass through as part of Africa’s second-largest mammal migration. —Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 18 Dec. 2024

Spotting rare birds or zebras on safari is no problem with these waterproof binoculars, complete with a tripod and phone adapter for just $63 (a 43-percent discount). —Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 14 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