hippo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, conversational. Full form 'hippopotamus' is neutral/informal; 'hippo' is very informal and familiar.
Quick answer
What does “hippo” mean?
A large, herbivorous, semi-aquatic African mammal with a bulky body, a large head, and a broad mouth, belonging to the family Hippopotamidae.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, herbivorous, semi-aquatic African mammal with a bulky body, a large head, and a broad mouth, belonging to the family Hippopotamidae.
An informal, commonly used shortened form of 'hippopotamus'. Also appears in informal terms like 'hippo bath' or 'hippo pool' for describing a public/children's bath of a similar size and shape. Rarely used in branding for products or companies to suggest size or power.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None. The usage, connotations, and frequency of 'hippo' vs. 'hippopotamus' are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. Connotes a familiar, approachable, or even comical animal, despite its well-known dangerous nature in reality.
Frequency
'Hippo' is significantly more frequent than 'hippopotamus' in casual spoken language in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “hippo” in a Sentence
see [a/the] hippoa herd of hipposthe hippo (is/are)...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hippo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A hippo-shaped paddling pool.
- It was a hippo of a car, guzzling fuel.
American English
- A hippo-sized SUV.
- He had a hippo-like appetite.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except in rare, whimsical brand names (e.g., 'Hippo Insurance').
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, or ecological contexts. The full term 'hippopotamus' is preferred.
Everyday
Very common, especially in conversation with or about children, and in general descriptions of animals.
Technical
Used in zoology, veterinary science, and wildlife conservation. The full Linnaean name 'Hippopotamus amphibius' is standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hippo”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hippo”
- Using 'hippopotamus' in casual chat can sound overly formal or pedantic. Incorrect plural: 'hippoes' (correct: 'hippos').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a real, standard English word, classified as an informal clipping of 'hippopotamus'. It is universally understood and appears in dictionaries.
The regular plural 'hippos' is correct and universally used (e.g., 'a group of hippos'). 'Hippopotamuses' is also correct for the full form.
Yes. Despite their often docile appearance in zoos, hippos are considered one of the most dangerous large animals in Africa, responsible for more human fatalities than many other large mammals due to their territorial and aggressive nature.
They are completely different families. Hippos are semi-aquatic, have huge mouths with large tusks, and are primarily herbivorous grazers. Rhinos are land-based, have one or two horns on their snout, and are also herbivores but browsers. They share only a general size and a reputation for being dangerous.
A large, herbivorous, semi-aquatic African mammal with a bulky body, a large head, and a broad mouth, belonging to the family Hippopotamidae.
Hippo is usually informal, conversational. full form 'hippopotamus' is neutral/informal; 'hippo' is very informal and familiar. in register.
Hippo: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp.oʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HIPPO who loves HIP-HOP music. Imagine it nodding its huge head to the beat.
Conceptual Metaphor
LARGENESS/HEAVINESS: 'He ate so much he felt like a hippo.' Also, UNEXPECTED DANGER (from a seemingly placid creature).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural, conversational way to refer to this animal?