spotted hyena

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of spotted hyena¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Wilkinson has spent much time studying spotted hyenas, another of the many species highlighted in "Queer Planet."

From Salon

On two different days they observed, filmed and photographed spotted hyenas chasing flying birds or picking them from the ground or the water surface, and devouring them whole at the waterhole.

From Science Daily

The analyses built on the expertise in epigenetics of the Leibniz-IZW as well as on the long-term research on spotted hyenas in the Serengeti, which started in 1987.

From Science Daily

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

To be clear, these mobs are made up of spotted hyenas.

From Science Daily