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• rhino
  rhino

  noun

  a rhinoceros.
• rhino-
  rhino-

  a combining form meaning “nose,” used in the formation of compound words.

rhino

¹ American  

[rahy-noh] / ˈraɪ noʊ /

noun

plural

rhinos,

plural

rhino

1. a rhinoceros.

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rhino ² American  

[rahy-noh] / ˈraɪ noʊ /

noun

Chiefly British Slang.

1. money; cash.

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rhino- ³ American  

1. a combining form meaning “nose,” used in the formation of compound words.

   rhinology.

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rhino ¹ British  

/ ˈraɪnəʊ /

noun

1. short for rhinoceros

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rhino ² British  

/ ˈraɪnəʊ /

noun

1. a slang word for money

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rhino- ³ British  

combining form

1. indicating the nose or nasal

   rhinology

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Usage

What does rhino- mean? Rhino- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “nose.” It is often used in medical terms. Rhino- comes from the Greek rhī́s, meaning “nose.”What are variants of rhino-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, rhino- becomes rhin-, as in rhinal.

Etymology

Origin of rhino¹

First recorded in 1880–85; by shortening

Origin of rhino²

First recorded in 1680–90; origin uncertain

Origin of rhino-³

< Greek rhīno-, combining form of rhī́s (stem rhīn- )

Example Sentences

Rhino poaching almost doubled in South Africa's Kruger National Park in 2025 compared to the previous year, despite interventions including dehorning and lie detector tests for rangers, the government said Tuesday.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Gladiators first aired on ITV in October 1992, running for eight series, making Gladiators including Wolf, Jet, and Rhino household names.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

The Green Rhino, which opened in June, employs about 50 people, staffers said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

Rhino populations around the world remain at risk from poaching and the illegal trade continues.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2025

One day, Rosie must have been in a real bad mood, ’cause she start in hard on ole Rhino Hino.

From "Girls Like Us" by Gail Giles