spotted hyena

noun

an African hyena, Crocuta crocuta, having a yellowish-gray coat with brown or black spots, noted for its distinctive howl.
Also called laughing hyena.

Origin of spotted hyena

First recorded in 1775–85

Words nearby spotted hyena

spotted dick, spotted dog, spotted fever, spotted flycatcher, spotted gum, spotted hyena, spotted joe-pye weed, spotted mackerel, spotted mist, spotted orchid, spotted sandpiper