giraffe

gi-raffe · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A very tall African mammal with a very long neck and legs, a tan coat with brown patches, and short horns, known as the tallest living terrestrial animal.

  2. 2.

    (informal) A tall person.

Forms

plural: giraffes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    stick one's neck out like a giraffe — to take a risk by being conspicuous

Related words

See also: elephant, safari, zebra
Synonyms: camelopard (archaic)

Etymology

From Arabic zarafa ("fast walker"), via Italian giraffa and French girafe. The word entered English in the late 16th century.