hippo
n. countable A2 Elementary US //ˈhɪpoʊ// UK //hˈɪpəʊ// hip·po
n. a very large, heavy animal from Africa with thick skin and big teeth that lives near water. It is short for the longer word 'hippopotamus'.
n. a large, semi-aquatic herbivorous mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a barrel-shaped torso and wide-opening mouth. A common clipped form of 'hippopotamus'.
The hippo stays in the water to keep its skin cool.
During the safari, we watched a hippo submerge itself in the river until only its eyes were visible.
Despite their bulky appearance and herbivorous diet, the hippo is known to be one of the most aggressive and territorial animals in the African wilderness.
Usage
The plural form is 'hippos'.