What does rhinoceros mean?
A rhinoceros is one of the world's largest land mammals, recognized by its massive body, thick skin, and horn or pair of horns on the nose. Three living species are recognized: the white and black rhinoceroses in Africa and the Sumatran rhinoceros in Southeast Asia. All are threatened or endangered, and illegal hunting for their horns remains a major threat. In everyday conversation, the animal is often shortened to “rhino.” The word can also refer, in dated informal usage, to a person who is insensitive to others' feelings. Its name is especially memorable because it literally describes the animal's defining feature: the Greek roots for “nose” and “horn” combine to form “rhinoceros.” Despite their formidable appearance, rhinoceroses are generally herbivores, and several species are notable for the unusual behavior of protecting their young.
nounA very large, heavy mammal with thick skin and one or two horns on its nose. Rhinoceroses occur in Africa and Asia and include the white, black, and Sumatran rhinoceros.
- Any of the very large, heavy mammals belonging to the rhinoceros family, native to Africa and Asia.
- An insensitive or tactless person; dated and chiefly North American in informal use.
"Conservation teams tracked the rhinoceros across the reserve to protect it from poachers."
"A female rhinoceros and her calf were given extra protection by wildlife rangers."
"His comments were as insensitive as a rhinoceros in a china shop."
Both “rhinoceroses” and “rhinoceros” are standard plurals; “rhinoceroses” is less common in general use.
"Three rhinoceroses were observed near the waterhole."
Rhinoceros means “nose horn”: the word was formed from the ancient Greek words for nose and horn.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rhinoceros come from?
The English word comes through Latin from Ancient Greek rhinokeratos, a compound of rhinos, meaning “nose,” and keras, meaning “horn.” It entered English in Middle English as various forms based on the Latin word. The modern spelling rhinoceros ultimately reflects the established Latin form, while the related French word is rhinocéros.
Related word forms
How rhinoceros is actually used
In contemporary general use, “rhinoceros” normally denotes the animal. “Rhino” is the usual informal abbreviation. The figurative sense for a tactless or insensitive person is dated and chiefly associated with North American English.