Any of the medium-sized to large feliform carnivores of the subfamily Hyaenidae, native to Africa and Asia and noted for the sound similar to laughter which they can make if excited.

plural of hyena

plural of hyena

(informal) The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta); so called because of the resemblance of its call to human laughter.

plural of laughing hyena

Crocuta crocuta, largest of the hyena species.

The smallest of the true hyenas, Hyaena hyaena.

A comparatively rare species of hyena, Hyaena brunnea, endemic to desert and semi-desert areas and open woodland savannahs of southern Africa.

plural of brown hyena

plural of spotted hyena