# hippo

/ˈhɪpoʊ/ (US) · /hˈɪpəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hippo
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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'.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- 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 notes

- The plural form is 'hippos'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.