Langimage
English

hippo

|hip-po|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˈhɪpoʊ/

🇬🇧

/ˈhɪpəʊ/

(hippopotamus)

large river mammal

Base FormPluralPluralPlural
hippopotamushippopotamuseshippopotamihippos
Etymology
Etymology Information

'hippo' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'hippos,' where 'hippos' meant 'horse.'

Historical Evolution

'hippos' changed from the Greek word 'hippos' and eventually became the modern English word 'hippo.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'horse,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'hippopotamus.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a large, mostly herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, known for its massive size and amphibious lifestyle.

The hippo spends most of its day in the water to keep cool.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45