hippopotamus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, scientific, general
Quick answer
What does “hippopotamus” mean?
A very large, mostly herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a large hairless body, short legs, and a massive head with a broad mouth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large, mostly herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a large hairless body, short legs, and a massive head with a broad mouth.
The word can be used humorously or metaphorically to refer to a very large or heavy person or object.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the full form 'hippopotamus' in formal contexts and the clipped form 'hippo' informally.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties, denoting the animal. Informal use to describe a large person is mildly humorous and potentially offensive.
Frequency
The clipped form 'hippo' is slightly more frequent in everyday speech in both varieties. The full form is common in writing, documentaries, and educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hippopotamus” in a Sentence
The hippopotamus [verb: lives, wallows, grazes].A [adj: male, female, young] hippopotamus.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hippopotamus” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a hippopotamus-like grace about him.
American English
- She made a hippopotamic effort to get up from the sofa.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in business contexts except in rare metaphorical comparisons.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, ecology, and conservation texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing animals, zoos, wildlife documentaries, or humorously describing size.
Technical
Specific term in zoological classification and wildlife management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hippopotamus”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hippopotamus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hippopotamus”
- Misspelling: 'hippopotamus' (double 'p', single 't'). Incorrect plural: 'hippopotamuses' is standard; 'hippopotami' is pedantic/latinate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'hippopotamuses' and 'hippopotami' are accepted, but 'hippopotamuses' is more common in modern English.
The name comes from Ancient Greek 'ἱπποπόταμος' (hippopótamos), from 'ἵππος' (híppos, 'horse') and 'ποταμός' (potamós, 'river').
No, despite the name 'river horse', they are not closely related to horses. Their closest living relatives are actually whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
In British English: /ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs/. In American English: /ˌhɪpəˈpɑːtəməs/. The main difference is in the vowel sound in the 'pot' syllable.
A very large, mostly herbivorous, semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a large hairless body, short legs, and a massive head with a broad mouth.
Hippopotamus is usually formal, scientific, general in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a hippopotamus in a tutu (used to describe something very large and awkward).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'HIPPO' is 'heavy in person, ponderous organism'. The 'potamus' part sounds like 'potent' and reminds you of its power.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIZE IS MASSIVE / AWKWARDNESS IS UNGAINLY (e.g., 'He moved through the crowded room like a hippopotamus').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary habitat of a hippopotamus?