French word

girafe

Pronunciation

IPA/ʒiʁaf/

Meaning

  • feminine noungiraffe

Example

J'ai vu une girafe au zoo.

I saw a giraffe at the zoo.

Illustration for girafe (giraffe)

More examples

La girafe mange des feuilles en hauteur.

The giraffe eats leaves high up.

Core concept

A tall, spotted leaf-eater whose long neck turns high foliage into reachable food.

Common phrases

  • voir une girafe

    see a giraffe

  • une girafe au zoo

    a giraffe at the zoo

  • une girafe en peluche

    a stuffed giraffe

Similar words

éléphant: A massive plant-eater that grasps objects with its long trunk.
zèbre: A black-and-white striped herbivore that lives in herds.
chameau: A large, hump-backed animal that can conserve water for long periods in dry areas.
autruche: A large bird unable to fly, known for its long legs and rapid running.

Definition in French

Mammifère africain de très grande taille au cou extrêmement long, au pelage clair marqué de taches brunes, qui se nourrit principalement de feuilles en hauteur.

Word origin

The French noun girafe entered through Italian giraffa and ultimately comes from Arabic, reflecting a borrowed name for the animal.

Usage tips

  • The final e in girafe is silent, and the word begins with the French j sound rather than the English sound in giraffe.

Related words

  • girafongiraffe calfnoun

Word lists with this word