capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌka-pi-ˈber-ə 

-ˈba-rə, 

-ˈbär-ə 

: a tailless semiaquatic South and Central American rodent (Hydrochaerus hydrochaeris) often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length

Illustration of capybara

Examples of capybara in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In news releases, the organization claims the cafe is operating illegally without proper permits and that four young capybaras died while in Angel's care. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026

Ready to go to South America and see some capybaras annoying tweens? — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

The kids also got to choose their own animal personas, with some opting to be cats, lions, cheetahs and even capybaras, before putting their own spin on the performance. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

Even in the summer Tennessee heat, one attendee donned a capybara costume and walked around hugging other patrons. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese capibara, capivara, alteration of capiiuara, from Tupi kapiʔiwara, from kapíʔi grass, brush + -wara eater

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for capybara

• arikara
• ishihara
• alara
• amara
• antara
• aymara
• bambara
• camara
• damara
• gandhara
• gemara
• gurdwara

Kids Definition

capybara

noun

cap·​y·​bara ˌkap-i-ˈbar-ə  -ˈbär- 

: a tailless South American rodent often exceeding four feet (1.2 meters) in length that is often found in or near water