capybara: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencyNeutral. Used in both technical/zoological contexts and general descriptive language.
Quick answer
What does “capybara” mean?
A very large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, the largest living rodent in the world.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, the largest living rodent in the world.
Often used metaphorically to denote something unusually large or placid for its kind, or in internet culture as an image of calm and sociability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Both varieties share the same neutral/zoological connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “capybara” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] capybara [VERBed] near the river.We saw a capybara [VERB+ING].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capybara” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Capybara is not used as a verb.]
American English
- [Capybara is not used as a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [Capybara is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Capybara is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- [Capybara is not used as a standard adjective. Occasionally in compound nouns: 'capybara-like calm'.]
American English
- [Capybara is not used as a standard adjective. Occasionally in compound nouns: 'capybara-esque demeanor'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, ecology, and environmental studies texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing animals, nature documentaries, zoos, or popular internet memes.
Technical
Used in zoological classification and wildlife management.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capybara”
- Misspelling: 'capybera', 'cappibara'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the first syllable (CAP-ee-bara) instead of the third (cap-ee-BAR-a).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rodent. Its alternative name 'water hog' refers to its pig-like appearance and aquatic habits, not taxonomy.
In most places, it is illegal or highly impractical due to their large size, specific habitat needs, and social nature.
Their exceptionally calm and sociable demeanor, often photographed peacefully alongside other animals, makes them a meme symbol for relaxation and friendliness.
The standard plural is 'capybaras'. The word is fully naturalised into English.
A very large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, the largest living rodent in the world.
Capybara is usually neutral. used in both technical/zoological contexts and general descriptive language. in register.
Capybara: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkapɪˈbɑːrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkæpiˈbɛrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is sometimes used humorously as a metaphor for calmness: 'He has the serene patience of a capybara.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CAP (headwear) worn by a BARAttending bear. It's actually a giant, chill rodent. "CAP-Y-BEAR-a".
Conceptual Metaphor
CALM IS A CAPYBARA (due to its placid nature). SIZE IS A CAPYBARA (for its large rodent status).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary habitat for the capybara?