zebu

[ zee-byoo, -boo ]

noun

1. one of a domesticated form of cattle, Bos taurus indicus, of India, having a large hump over the shoulders and a large dewlap.

zebu

/ ˈziːbuː /

noun

1. a domesticated ox, Bos indicus, having a humped back, long horns, and a large dewlap: used in India and E Asia as a draught animal

Word History and Origins

Origin of zebu¹

First recorded in 1765–75, zebu is from the French word zébu, of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of zebu¹

C18: from French zébu, perhaps of Tibetan origin

Example Sentences

The small ox of Belon which we have seen, and call by the name of zebu, is no more than a variety in the species of the ox.

From Project Gutenberg

The little zebu of Arabia is not more than a tenth part the size of the bull-elephant.

From Project Gutenberg

The Brahmins esteem the zebu a sacred animal; and for this reason it has received the name of the Brahmin ox.

From Project Gutenberg

The zebu is an animal of the cow kind, and a native of India, and on that account is often called the Indian ox.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, then, the zebu would come and live near the sandbank too—just so far as the crocodile would never see him.

From Project Gutenberg