hyena
word
Definition
A hyena is a wild animal that looks similar to a dog but is actually closer to cats. It is known for its loud, laughing call and often eats animals that are already dead.
Usage & Nuances
"Hyena" is most often used for the spotted hyena found in Africa. It can be used literally for the animal, or figuratively for someone seen as sneaky or laughing at others. The plural is 'hyenas.'
Spanish: hienaPortuguese (BR): hienaPortuguese (PT): hienaChinese (Simplified): 鬣狗Chinese (Traditional): 鬣狗Hindi: लकड़बग्धाArabic: ضبعBengali: হায়েনাRussian: гиенаJapanese: ハイエナVietnamese: linh cẩuKorean: 하이에나Turkish: sırtlanUrdu: لکڑبگھاIndonesian: hiena
Example Sentences
A hyena lives in the grasslands of Africa.
basic
The hyena makes a sound like laughter.
basic
A pack of hyenas hunted for food at night.
basic
Stop laughing like a hyena—you're so loud!
natural
I saw a documentary about how clever hyenas are.
natural
In some stories, the hyena is a symbol of trickery.
natural