capybara

or cap·i·ba·ra

[ kap-uh-bahr-uh ]

noun

1. a South American tailless rodent, Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris, living along the banks of rivers and lakes, having partly webbed feet: the largest living rodent.

capybara

/ ˌkæpɪˈbɑːrə /

noun

1. the largest rodent: a pig-sized amphibious hystricomorph, Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, resembling a guinea pig and inhabiting river banks in Central and South America: family Hydrochoeridae

Word History and Origins

Origin of capybara¹

1765–75; < New Latin < Portuguese capibara < Tupi

Word History and Origins

Origin of capybara¹

C18: from Portuguese capibara, from Tupi

Example Sentences

A young capybara's escape from a zoo a fortnight ago gripped animal lovers across the globe.

From BBC

Other than a minor graze on her nose, the capybara was remarkably unharmed by her exploits and even "had a bit of a belly" after a week of fending for herself.

From BBC

A capybara who went missing from a Shropshire zoo sparking news coverage around the world has been reunited with her family and is settling back in.

From BBC

They set up live traps and played capybara noises to encourage her home.

From BBC

Native to South America, capybara can grow to more than a metre in length and are the largest living rodents in the world.

From BBC