capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌka-pi-ˈber-ə 

-ˈba-rə,

-ˈbär-ə 

: a tailless semiaquatic South and Central American rodent (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris) often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length

Illustration of capybara

Examples of capybara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those include a daffy retriever, a headstrong capybara, a covetous lemur and a mysterious bird, as well as glimpses of more fantastical creatures. —Jack Smart, People.com, 5 Jan. 2025

Jaguars also eat peccaries, capybaras, pacas, agoutis, deer, opossum, rabbits, armadillos, caimans, turtles and livestock, depending on their habitat. —Zach Bradshaw, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024

These animals are known for their friendly and sociable nature, and have become a popular tourist attraction in countries like Brazil and Japan, where capybara cafes offer people the chance to hang out with the rodents and pet them. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Shoppers can find capybara slippers, purses, robes and bath bombs. —CBS News, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese capibara, capivara, alteration of capiiuara, from Tupi kapiʔiwara, from kapíʔi grass, brush + -wara eater

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌkap-i-ˈbar-ə  -ˈbär- 

: a tailless South American rodent often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length that is often found in or near water