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.
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 young capybara has become an unexpected online star since the zoo announced its arrival last month. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 10 June 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 Even in the summer Tennessee heat, one attendee donned a capybara costume and walked around hugging other patrons. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 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

Rhymes for capybara

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Browse Nearby Words

capy
capybara
Caquetío
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Cite this Entry

“Capybara.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/capybara. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on capybara

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about capybara

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