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

Not all plants and animals are domesticated (zebras versus horses are famous examples), so what traits are possessed by a good candidate for domestication? —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

Gathered around the edge of a lake are striped horses, like zebras but more svelte. —Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025

Gucci has to be over the top in order to thrive, the same as zebras have to run. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 6 Feb. 2025

The standout designs came with zebra patterns that created a graphic effect on the structured silhouettes of logoed tote bags and cross-body bags, as well as on the softer shape of the brand’s Sienna bucket style. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 12 Mar. 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