antler

American  

[ant-ler] / ˈænt lər /

noun

• antlers
  plural

1. one of the solid deciduous horns, usually branched, of an animal of the deer family.

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antler British  

/ ˈæntlə /

noun

1. one of a pair of bony outgrowths on the heads of male deer and some related species of either sex. The antlers are shed each year and those of some species grow more branches as the animal ages

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antlerless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• antlers
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of antler

1350–1400; Middle English aunteler < Middle French antoillier < Vulgar Latin *anteoculārem ( rāmum ), accusative singular of *anteoculāris ( rāmus ) anteocular (branch of a stag's horn). See ante-, ocular

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Explanation

An antler is one of a pair of horns that belong to most members of the deer family. An antler is usually curved and has branches. Antlers come in pairs: there are two antlers coming out of a deer’s head. Antlers are branched like a tree limb, and some are very long and large. The elk is an animal with impressive antlers. Antlers look intimidating and can be used as a weapon by the deer when head-butting. Only the males have antlers in most species.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

antler antlers

Now Patricia’s red dress and antler headpiece ensemble will be this year’s go-to Halloween costume.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

A group of people were gathered around a large dining table beneath a massive chandelier of antler, a tableau that evoked some kind of Viking summit.

From Salon ● Aug. 9, 2026

Boxgrove has been extensively excavated, and researchers have uncovered many tools made from flint, bone and antler there.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 27, 2026

Alongside this piece of medieval bling, the team have also unearthed a pin made from bone with a detailed pattern and a comb intricately carved from antler.

From BBC ● Dec. 31, 2025

It was a beautiful antler, proud and pointed, but the other one was only a stump.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich

There are no emotions in it, only our own cold and cruel fears reflected back at us, as with a shot of Cruise standing defiantly in front of a mirror rimmed by antlers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2026

The Buck Moon - named after the time male deer sprout new antlers - will rise on 29 July.

From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2026

The space is dimly lit and always packed, with wood-paneled walls, mounted antlers, and crisp white tablecloths setting the tone.

From Salon ● Mar. 31, 2026

One day the Scot suggests a way the brothers might supplement their income: “I could sell as many elk antlers as I could possibly get my hands on. At a good price too.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025

Emily heard a tinkling noise she couldn’t put her finger on until James jumped back onto the porch and held out his reindeer antlers.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

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