cavy

noun

ca·​vy ˈkā-vē How to pronounce cavy (audio)
plural cavies
: any of several short-tailed rough-haired South American rodents (family Caviidae)
especially : guinea pig

Examples of cavy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The animals are native to central and southern Argentina and are also known as Patagonian cavies or Patagonian hares, according to Zoo Atlanta. — Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2024 Pigeons shows are June 8-11; rabbits, June 14-18; cavies (guinea pigs), June 21-23; and poultry, July 1-3. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Cavia, genus name, from obsolete Portuguese çavia (now sauiá) the spiny rat Makalata (Echimys) armata, from Tupi saujá

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cavy was in 1796

Browse Nearby Words

cavvy
cavy
cavyyard
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Cite this Entry

“Cavy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cavy. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

cavy

noun
ca·​vy ˈkā-vē How to pronounce cavy (audio)
plural cavies
: any of several short-tailed South American rodents (family Caviidae)
especially : guinea pig

More from Merriam-Webster on cavy

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cavy

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