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

Pair a fitted fringe skirt with a zebra print crop top, sunglasses, and a cowboy hat for a fun and flirty look. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 25 June 2025

The mother of influencer Lori Harvey was also seen in the French capital wearing a zebra print outfit by Schiaparelli this week. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 24 June 2025

The Tennessean: Middle Tennessee’s missing zebra: Owner talks escape, why the animal may get a new home. —Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 11 June 2025

Anyone who sees the zebra is asked to contact the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. —/ Cbs News, CBS News, 3 June 2025

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

Rhymes for zebra

• libra

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