hippopotamus

[hɪˈpɒpətəməs]

hippopotamus Definition

  • 1a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa
  • 2a person who is overweight or obese

Using hippopotamus: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hippopotamus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The hippopotamus spends most of its day in the water.

  • Example

    Hippos are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.

  • Example

    He was nicknamed 'the hippopotamus' due to his large size.

hippopotamus Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hippopotamus

  • river horse
  • water horse

Phrases with hippopotamus

  • very hungry

    Example

    After hiking all day, I'm as hungry as a hippopotamus.

  • an obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about

    Example

    The elephant in the hippopotamus is the company's financial troubles.

  • a clumsy or awkward person in a delicate or unfamiliar situation

    Example

    He's like a hippopotamus in a china shop when it comes to social situations.

Origins of hippopotamus

from Greek 'hippopotamos', meaning 'river horse'

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Summary: hippopotamus in Brief

A 'hippopotamus' [hɪˈpɒpətəməs] is a large, mostly herbivorous, semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is also used to describe a person who is overweight or obese. The term is often used in phrases like 'hungry as a hippopotamus,' and 'the elephant in the hippopotamus,' which refers to an obvious problem that people do not want to talk about.