capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌka-pi-ˈber-ə How to pronounce capybara (audio)
-ˈba-rə
-ˈbär-ə How to pronounce capybara (audio)
: a tailless semiaquatic South and Central American rodent (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris) often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length

Illustration of capybara

Illustration of capybara

Examples of capybara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Edinburgh Zoo announced that its capybara pup has been named Bru following a public vote. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026 According to inspectors, the capybara shared an enclosure with a male for about six weeks before she was found dead. Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 June 2026 The capybara swim happened at Wichabai Ranch, where a rewilding conservation program has given a small group of them a lake and, apparently, free rein over the guests. Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026 One day, the boy placed a sticker of a cartoon capybara wearing a prosthetic leg onto her own prosthetic. ABC News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for capybara

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of capybara was in 1774

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Capybara.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capybara. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

capybara

noun
cap·​y·​bara ˌkap-i-ˈbar-ə How to pronounce capybara (audio) -ˈbär- How to pronounce capybara (audio)
: a tailless South American rodent often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length that is often found in or near water

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