GIRAFFE Definition & Meaning

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giraffe

[ juh-rafor, especially British, -rahf ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a tall, long-necked, spotted ruminant, Giraffa camelopardalis, of Africa: the tallest living quadruped animal.
Giraffe, Astronomy. the constellation Camelopardalis.

giraffe

/ dʒɪˈrɑːf; -ˈræf /

noun

a large ruminant mammal, Giraffa camelopardalis, inhabiting savannas of tropical Africa: the tallest mammal, with very long legs and neck and a colouring of regular reddish-brown patches on a beige ground: family Giraffidae

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of giraffe¹

First recorded in 1585–95; from French girafe, from Italian giraffa, from dialectal Arabic ��ڲ��; further origin uncertain

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of giraffe¹

C17: from Italian giraffa, from Arabic ��ڲ��, probably of African origin

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Overlooking the city's wildlife park, home to lions, giraffes and zebra, lies the Panari Hotel.

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The African habitat - which was built in 2001 - is home to reticulated giraffes, maneless zebras, white rhinos, ostriches, crowned cranes and a greater kudu - a type of antelope.

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The African habitat - which was built in 2001 - is home to reticulated giraffes, maneless zebra, white rhino, ostrich, crowned crane and a greater kudu.

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Much as it’s easy to retreat in despair, the lemurs, the giraffes, the sharks and wombats, and actual bats, need our help.

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In addition to these two species of hominins, researchers in the region have also found evidence of ancestors of animals still found in Africa today like giraffes, pigs, and elephants.

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