zebra

American  

[zee-bruh, zeb-ruh] / ˈzi brə, ˈzɛb rə /

noun

plural

zebras,

plural

zebra

1. any of several horselike African mammals of the genus Equus, each species having a characteristic pattern of black or dark-brown stripes on a whitish background: all zebra species are threatened or endangered.

2. Also called zebra butterfly.  a tropical butterfly, Heliconius charithonius, having black wings barred with yellow.

3. (initial capital letter) a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter Z.

4. Football Slang. an official, who usually wears a black and white striped shirt.

5. British. zebra crossing.

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Zebra ¹ British  

/ ˈzɛbrə, ˈziːbrə /

noun

1. a noninterest-paying bond in which the accrued income is taxed annually rather than on redemption Compare zero

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zebra ² British  

/ ˈzɛb-, ˈziːbraɪn, ˈzɛbrə, zɪˈbreɪɪk, ˈziːbrə /

noun

1. any of several mammals of the horse family ( Equidae ), such as Equus burchelli (the common zebra ), of southern and eastern Africa, having distinctive black-and-white striped hides

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Other Word Forms

• zebra-like adjective
• zebraic adjective
• zebralike adjective
• zebrine adjective

Etymology

Origin of zebra

1590–1600; 1975–80 zebra for def. 4; < Portuguese zebra, zebro the Iberian wild ass ( Spanish cebra ), perhaps < Latin equiferus (Pliny) kind of wild horse, equivalent to equi- (combining form of equus horse) + ferus wild

Explanation

That black-and-white striped animal that looks like a horse? That's a zebra, a large African animal with hooves that you're most likely to see in a zoo. Like donkeys and horses, zebras are members of the family Equidae, or the horse family. Unlike the horses, however, zebras haven't ever truly been domesticated — so don't count on fulfilling your dream of riding a zebra. Zebra comes from Italian, ultimately going back to the Latin root equiferus, "wild horse." In the U.S., the first syllable of zebra is pronounced "zee," but in the U.K., it has a short e sound, like "tepid" or "web."

Example Sentences

The zebra — named Sero — was eventually cornered in a narrow alley, safely tranquilised and returned to his enclosure without any injuries.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

In 2024, a theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Kansas proposed a solution that explained much of this unusual "zebra" pattern.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

A mum whose daughter was killed after being hit by a car at a zebra crossing is calling for tougher sentences after learning that the driver responsible was released after six months.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

One bedroom had a zebra skin rug on the floor.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

He bowed to Leo, doffing his zebra cowboy hat, and did a backflip over the side.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan