capybara

American  

[kap-uh-bahr-uh] / ˌkæp əˈbɑr ə /

Or capibara

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.

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capybara British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of capybara

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

Example Sentences

Teams searching for an escaped capybara say they are closing in on her location, with humane traps now being used as part of efforts to bring her home.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

In recent years the semi-aquatic capybara -- native to South America -- has gained a devoted following online, and its image is increasingly used on toys, clothing and home decor items.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

But years after that initial wave of capybara fever, the animals have emerged as one of the most ubiquitous figures in Mexico, leaving both tourists and locals at a loss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

“Flow” A cat, a dog and a capybara walk into a boat and are forced to make do as a society.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2024

However, no tapir was found; Kermit killed a collared peccary, and I shot a capybara representing a color-phase the naturalists wished.

From Through the Brazilian Wilderness by Roosevelt, Theodore