zebra
zebra Lexical Profile
zebra Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of several species of African wild equids distinguished by a distinctive pattern of black and white stripes and an erect mane.
"During the safari in Tanzania, we observed a large herd of zebras grazing on the savanna alongside wildebeests."
British A pedestrian crosswalk marked with broad alternating black and white stripes painted on the road surface.
"Approaching vehicles are required by law to stop and give way to pedestrians waiting at the zebra."
North American A sports official or referee, especially in American football, basketball, or ice hockey, named for their black-and-white vertically striped uniform.
"The home crowd booed mercilessly when the zebra threw a flag for pass interference late in the fourth quarter."
• Rhymes for zebra
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 17th century: from Portuguese and Spanish 'zebra' (originally used to describe a wild ass), possibly from Latin 'equiferus' (wild horse) or borrowed from an unknown Congolese language.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.