Search Dictionary
Definition of hippopotamus

hippopotamus

/ˌhɪp.əˈpɑː.t̬ə.məs/
hip · po · pot · a · mus
Plural:hippopotamuses
JUMP TO:

hippopotamus Lexical Profile

hippopotamus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A massive, thick-skinned, semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by its wide-opening mouth, large canine tusks, short legs, and mostly herbivorous diet.

Example

"During the wildlife documentary, researchers observed a large hippopotamus submerging itself in the muddy river to escape the midday heat."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hippopotamus

• Rhymes for hippopotamus

• Nearby Words

hippie
hippo
hippocrepis
hippopotamus
hippy
hipster
hipsterdom

Word Origin & Etymology

From the Greek word 'hippopotamos', derived from 'hippos' (horse) and 'potamos' (river), literally translating to 'river horse'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hippopotamus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hippopotamus
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.