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 hippopotamus in a china shop
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'
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.
