gnu

[ noo, nyoo ]

noun

, plural gnus, (especially collectively) gnu.

1. either of two stocky, oxlike antelopes of the genus Connochaetes, the silver-gray, white-bearded C. taurinus of the eastern African plain and the black, white-tailed C. gnou of central South Africa: recently near extinction, the South African gnu is now protected.

gnu

/ nuː /

noun

1. either of two sturdy antelopes, Connochaetes taurinus ( brindled gnu ) or the much rarer C. gnou ( white-tailed gnu ), inhabiting the savannas of Africa, having an oxlike head and a long tufted tail Also calledwildebeest

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnu¹

1770–80; < Khoikhoi, first recorded as t’gnu; probably to be identified with ǂnû black, as applying originally to the black wildebeest

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnu¹

C18: from Xhosa nqu

Example Sentences

For instance, there's the animal that has been called the Gnu.

From Project Gutenberg

I shot a gnu, but wandered in coming back to the party, and did not find them till it was getting dark.

From Project Gutenberg

I must here include one of the most curious animals in India, a creature resembling at first sight the African gnu.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the antelope family the gnu, or horned horse, is perhaps the most curious specimen.

From Project Gutenberg

At Sèvres I saw two pieces of china; on one of them was a gnu, on the other a zebra.

From Project Gutenberg