Illustration of okapi
okapi
noun
oka·pi ō-ˈkä-pē 
: an African ungulate mammal (Okapia johnstoni) that is closely related to the giraffe but has a relatively short neck, a coat typically of solid reddish chestnut on the trunk, yellowish white on the cheeks, and purplish-black and cream rings on the upper parts of the legs
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The last okapi birth at the facility occurred in 2015. 
Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2022 Discokeryx likely resembled an okapi, a forest-dwelling cousin of modern giraffes. New York Times, 2 June 2022 Bohmann’s group collected 40 air samples in three locations around the Copenhagen Zoo: the tropical rainforest house, the okapi stable and in the outdoor space between animal enclosures. Corryn Wetzel, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2022 On the other hand, the giraffe has lost at least 53 olfactory genes compared with the okapi. Sofia Moutinho, Science | AAAS, 17 Mar. 2021 The new animal, named Ede by zookeepers, was born on September 21 after its mother, Oni the okapi, went into labor the previous evening, according to a news release. Ally Mauch, PEOPLE.com, 30 Sep. 2020 Behavior and reproduction Active during the day, the elusive okapi prefers to be alone. National Geographic, 2 Mar. 2020 Included on the tour is an okapi, black rhino, hippo, African wild dog, Masai Giraffe, African elephant, lion, warthog and white rhino — which Katelyn says is her favorite. Georgia Slater, PEOPLE.com, 6 Apr. 2020 The okapi is the giraffe’s closest living relative. National Geographic, 20 Sep. 2019 See More
Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2022 Discokeryx likely resembled an okapi, a forest-dwelling cousin of modern giraffes. New York Times, 2 June 2022 Bohmann’s group collected 40 air samples in three locations around the Copenhagen Zoo: the tropical rainforest house, the okapi stable and in the outdoor space between animal enclosures. Corryn Wetzel, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Jan. 2022 On the other hand, the giraffe has lost at least 53 olfactory genes compared with the okapi. Sofia Moutinho, Science | AAAS, 17 Mar. 2021 The new animal, named Ede by zookeepers, was born on September 21 after its mother, Oni the okapi, went into labor the previous evening, according to a news release. Ally Mauch, PEOPLE.com, 30 Sep. 2020 Behavior and reproduction Active during the day, the elusive okapi prefers to be alone. National Geographic, 2 Mar. 2020 Included on the tour is an okapi, black rhino, hippo, African wild dog, Masai Giraffe, African elephant, lion, warthog and white rhino — which Katelyn says is her favorite. Georgia Slater, PEOPLE.com, 6 Apr. 2020 The okapi is the giraffe’s closest living relative. National Geographic, 20 Sep. 2019 See More Word History
Etymology
Mvuba (language spoken west of Lake Edward, Democratic Republic of the Congo)
First Known Use
1900, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
okapi
noun
oka·pi ō-ˈkä-pē
: an animal of the African forests related to the giraffe
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- in good working condition
- in good working order
- in good/great/large part
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- in gory detail
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- in greeting
- in gremio
- in half
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- in height
- in hell