Giraffe Definition Giraffe Definition 1

Giraffe (noun) — an African animal with the longest neck and beautiful spots that have different shapes and beautify this land mammal. In the wild, you can find giraffes in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and other countries. 

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/dʒɪˈrɑːf/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Giraffe”?

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Tips for giraffe pronunciation: 

It is easy to spell when you break it into two parts. The first part is ji with a soft consonant, and the second part is raf with a long a.

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Examples: How to Use “Giraffe” in a Sentence?

Check how to define a giraffe in real-world sentences and context. We prepared some engaging and straightforward sentences:

This giraffe is tall like a tower!
Baby giraffes are the cutest.
Giraffes have long bodies to eat leaves from tall trees.
I think this giraffe is like 5 meters tall.
My dream is to feed a giraffe.

What are the Synonyms for the Word “Giraffe”?

This animal with an extra-long neck and legs has several terms native speakers can use to avoid repeating the noun. Here are some words you can use to describe “giraffe.”

Related nouns: savanna giant leaf-eater mammal

Synonyms (contextual): None, it is a specific noun

Common collocations: feed a giraffe a giraffe eats a giraffe herd

“Giraffe” Word Formation and Description in Context

To use “giraffe” in a sentence, you need to learn how it combines with other parts of speech, especially the main ones.

With adjectives: beautiful giraffe wild giraffe long-legged giraffe

With verbs: a giraffe eats pet a giraffe meet a giraffe

With nouns (noun + noun): giraffe neck giraffe print

Idioms and Phrases with “Giraffe”

The best way to define a giraffe is to see its variation in special phrases — idioms — that make this word fun and interesting.

  • Peigner la giraffe/to comb a giraffe — it is actually a French phrase which is used widely in English. It means to waste time doing pointless jobs.

    This homework is useless. I am just a giraffe and have made no progress.
Giraffe Idioma Giraffe Idioma 1

  • “…just like a giraffe celebrates its spots” — refers to the part of a well-known phrase and means to adore your unique presence on Earth.

    You are different, and that’s fine. You need to appreciate it like a giraffe celebrates its spots.

  • Stand tall like a giraffe — a saying that makes people brave in their decisions.

    My mom always told me not to give up on my dreams. I have to stand tall like a giraffe.

Test Your Knowledge of Giraffe Meaning — Quiz Time!

As you have learned giraffe spelling, description, and related nouns with idioms, you can check this knowledge with our fun exercises.

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the right answers:
1
Giraffes have long legs.
2
Giraffes can climb trees.
3
You can recognize giraffes by their spots.
Type 2: Right word order:
Regroup the words to make correct phrases with giraffe:
1
This
eats
giraffe
well
2
runners
Giraffes
pretty
are
fast
3
The
long
giraffe
a
has
tongue
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Choose the one closest in meaning:
1
The giraffe in the zoo is chewing its food! What can it be?
2
Long time no see! You are like a giraffe! It means that the person is:
3
Our study group members are hard to talk to. It is like combing a giraffe. What does this idiom mean?

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“Giraffe” Word in Other Languages

You know how to spell giraffe in English, but what about other languages that are also popular among students?

Language Word for “Giraffe”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Jirafa
Flag French French   Girafe
Flag German German   Giraffe

Unknown Facts About Giraffe

If you want to learn more than the description of a “giraffe,” we prepared some unusual facts and numbers about this animal.

  • The smallest giraffes in the world were found in the Murchison Falls National Park, located in Uganda, and a private farm in Namibia.

    The first little guy was only 282.9 cm, and the second one — 254.4 cm according to the information from Guinness World Records.

  • As National Geographic Kids says, these animals can eat almost 45 kilograms of leaves daily.

    We were also amazed at first, but remembering how tall giraffes are, it’s no wonder they need so much food to support themselves.

  • World Giraffe Day is celebrated on June 21 each year.

    If you are wondering why we need such a celebration, the reason is to acknowledge people’s support for wild nature protection.

Iconic Quotes That Feature Giraffes

Famous sayings from authors can bring more understanding of the word “giraffe.” Here, you will find some funny and deep quotes about this amazing animal.

“Does the giraffe know what he’s for? Or care? Or even think about his place in things? A giraffe has a black tongue, twenty-seven inches long and no vocal cords. A giraffe has nothing to say. He just goes on giraffing.”

— Robert Fulghum, “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”

Explanation: The author tells us that we don’t need to overthink each moment about ourselves. It is not that complicated.

“The giraffe can behave like the gazelle, but its neck will always tell a story!”

— Ernest Agyemang Yeboah

Explanation: You can see a metaphor here. We are who we are. We definitely can play another role, but there is something in our nature that will tell the truth.

“Never trust a woman who wants to see your giraffe.”

— Rutledge, Lynda West with Giraffes

Explanation: It sounds a little weird, but what does it mean? Actually, it can be about our secrets that we hide. It is a warning.