springbok

[ spring-bok ]

noun

, plural spring·boks, (especially collectively) spring·bok.

1. a gazelle, Antidorcas marsupialis, of southern Africa, noted for its habit of springing into the air when alarmed.

Springbok

¹

/ ˈsprɪŋˌbʌk; -ˌbɒk /

noun

1. a person who has represented South Africa at rugby union

springbok

²

/ ˈsprɪŋˌbʌk /

noun

1. an antelope, Antidorcas marsupialis, of semidesert regions of southern Africa, which moves in leaps exposing a patch of white erectile hairs on the rump that are usually covered by a fold of skin

Word History and Origins

Origin of springbok¹

1765–75; < Afrikaans. See spring, buck ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of springbok¹

C18: from Afrikaans, from Dutch springen to spring + bok goat, buck ¹

Example Sentences

The springbok ordinarily makes its home in the arid, sandy plains called karroos.

From Project Gutenberg

The general color of the springbok is a tawny brown on the upper parts of the body.

From Project Gutenberg

Once I dashed into a herd of trekking game so suddenly, that a springbok, unable to stop itself, leapt right over me.

From Project Gutenberg

It was in these circumstances that we set out shortly before midnight in the pitch darkness from Springbok Valley.

From Project Gutenberg

I am fairly good with a knife, and I carved very presentable likenesses of a monkey, a springbok, and a rhinoceros.

From Project Gutenberg