hippo

noun

hip·​po ˈhi-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce hippo (audio)
plural hippos
: hippopotamus

Examples of hippo 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.
When the hippo started moving , the heron looked a bit irritated. — Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 See an exclusive clip from Hungry, featuring its killer hippo in all its rampaging glory. — Mike Miller, Entertainment Weekly, 27 May 2026 In the Africa section, the zoo eyes a revamp of the hippo and crocodile habitats and at least one additional exhibit. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2026 Tembrink skipped the majority of the zoo's vast offerings to focus on the hippo, rhino and elephant habitats so the participants would not get too tired or overwhelmed. — ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hippo

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hippo was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

hipple
hippo
Hippo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

hippo

noun
hip·​po ˈhip-ō How to pronounce hippo (audio)
plural hippos
: hippopotamus

Geographical Definition

Hippo

geographical name

Hip·​po ˈhi-(ˌ)pō How to pronounce Hippo (audio)
variants or Hippo Regius
ˈrē-jəs How to pronounce Hippo (audio)
-jē-əs
ancient city in northern Africa south of modern Annaba, Algeria; chief town of Numidia

More from Merriam-Webster on hippo

Nglish: Translation of hippo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hippo

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