Search Dictionary
Definition of hippo

hippo

/ˈhɪp.oʊ/
hip · po
Plural:hippos
JUMP TO:

hippo Lexical Profile

hippo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, thick-skinned, semiaquatic herbivorous mammal (Hippopotamus amphibius) of the family Hippopotamidae native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a barrel-shaped body, short legs, and massive jaws; a hippopotamus.

Example

"The hippo submerged itself in the muddy river to escape the intense midday heat."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hippo

• Rhymes for hippo

• Nearby Words

hipness
hippeastrum
hippie
hippo
hippocrepis
hippopotamus
hippy

Word Origin & Etymology

Shortened in the 19th century from 'hippopotamus', which derives from Ancient Greek 'hippopotamos', meaning 'river horse' (from 'hippos' meaning 'horse' and 'potamos' meaning 'river').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hippo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hippo
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.