giraffe

noun

gi·​raffe jə-ˈraf How to pronounce giraffe (audio)
plural giraffes
1
or plural giraffe : a large fleet African ruminant mammal (Giraffa camelopardalis) that is the tallest of living quadrupeds and has a very long neck and a short coat with dark blotches separated by pale lines
2
Giraffe : camelopardalis
giraffish
jə-ˈra-fish How to pronounce giraffe (audio)
adjective

Illustration of giraffe

Illustration of giraffe
  • giraffe 1

Examples of giraffe 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.
Ana trees grow tall here, providing shade and food for both elephants and giraffes that wander through. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026 The land is also home to an array of exotic wildlife, including giraffes. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026 The ranch houses at least 750 animals from six continents, everything from antelope to giraffes. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2026 The median life expectancy for a giraffe in human care is 20 years, according to the association. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for giraffe

Word History

Etymology

Italian giraffa, from Arabic zirāfa

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of giraffe was circa 1600

Phrases Containing giraffe

Rhymes for giraffe

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Browse Nearby Words

Giraffa
giraffe
giraffe camel
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Cite this Entry

“Giraffe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/giraffe. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

giraffe

noun
gi·​raffe ˈjə-ˈraf How to pronounce giraffe (audio)
plural giraffes or giraffe
: a large swift cud-chewing spotted African mammal with a very long neck that is the tallest of living four-footed animals

More from Merriam-Webster on giraffe

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about giraffe

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