What does zebra mean?
A zebra is a hoofed mammal belonging to the horse family and native to Africa, distinguished by sharply contrasting black-and-white stripes. Several species occur, including the plains zebra, the mountain zebra, and Grévy's zebra. The word is also used for striped patterns, markings, and objects resembling a zebra's coat, as in "zebra crossing," a pedestrian crossing marked with broad white stripes. In ordinary use, "zebra" carries no strongly positive or negative connotation and serves as a familiar, visually distinctive name for the animal. It is also useful as an unmistakable example of natural camouflage, although the precise evolutionary functions of zebra stripes remain subjects of scientific investigation. The word commonly appears in wildlife, travel, conservation, fashion, and road-safety contexts, while compounds involving zebras also refer to other striped animals and organisms, including the zebra fish and zebra mussel.
nounA hoofed African mammal of the horse family, with distinctive black-and-white stripes. The term can also refer to a striped pattern resembling that of a zebra.
- Any of several striped African mammals belonging to the genus Equus.
- A black-and-white striped pattern resembling that of a zebra, especially in design, markings, or heraldry.
"A herd of zebras grazed beside the open plain."
"The wildlife reserve is home to large herds of plains zebras."
"The cloth was printed with a bold zebra pattern in black and white."
The regular plural adds "-s" to the singular form.
"The zebras moved together across the grassland."
A zebra's stripe pattern is unique to the individual, making it a kind of visual fingerprint.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does zebra come from?
The English word entered use in the early 17th century, borrowed from Portuguese "zebra," which reflects a broader European transmission through Spanish and Italian. Its deeper origin is uncertain; the name is often traced to a Vulgar Latin form written "zebra," but no secure derivation has been established. The term became the standard English name for the striped African equids encountered in European travel accounts and illustrated works.
How zebra is actually used
The word is neutral and nontechnical in ordinary use. In established compounds such as "zebra crossing" and "zebra mussel," it functions attributively rather than as a separate adjective.
Easily confused with zebra
A zebu is a humped domestic or wild cattle breed from South Asia, whereas a zebra is a striped member of the horse family.