spotted hyena

American  

noun

1. an African hyena, Crocuta crocuta, having a yellowish-gray coat with brown or black spots, noted for its distinctive howl.

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Etymology

Origin of spotted hyena

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

"It adds to the known variety of the spotted hyena diet and hunting tactics, since this behaviour has not been documented before," says Portas.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2024

Thunderclouds rolled across Kenya’s Masai Mara savanna as the spotted hyena cubs played, tumbling over each other in the wet grass.

From National Geographic • Feb. 8, 2024

Perhaps the most fascinating animal is the spotted hyena of sub-Saharan Africa, where the females dominate the clans.

From Washington Post • Nov. 14, 2022

Perhaps the most horrifying birth is that of the spotted hyena.

From Slate • Sep. 27, 2012

I never thought that finding myself confined in a small space with a spotted hyena would be good news, but there you go.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel