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

The $100 admission includes food, beverages, live music, encounters with animals such as sloths and capybaras, and a silent auction. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026

Take a pause to scroll the three healthy capybara pups born at the Palm Beach Zoo in West Palm Beach, Florida. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

Locals have spotted her in the wild, capturing videos of the capybara sunbathing and diving into a river. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026

The most dramatic sighting came when local resident Claudie Paddick filmed the capybara while walking her dogs, Growler and Patsy, near her house last Sunday along the River Itchen. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for capybara

• arikara
• ishihara
• alara
• amara
• antara
• aymara
• bambara
• camara
• damara
• gandhara
• gemara
• gurdwara

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