antelope

[an-tl-ohp]

noun

plural

antelopes ,

plural

antelope .

1. any of several ruminants of the family Bovidae, chiefly of Africa and Asia, having permanent, hollow, unbranched horns.

2. leather made from the hide of such an animal.

3. pronghorn.

antelope

/ ˈæntɪˌləʊp /

noun

1. any bovid mammal of the subfamily Antilopinae, of Africa and Asia. They are typically graceful, having long legs and horns, and include the gazelles, springbok, impala, gerenuk, blackbuck, and dik-diks

2. any of various similar bovids of Africa and Asia

3. another name for pronghorn

Other Word Forms

• antelopian adjective
• antelopine adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of antelope¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English antelop, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin antalopus, from Medieval Greek anthólops, a fabulous beast described by Eustathius of Antioch (died 337); origin of word unknown

Word History and Origins

Origin of antelope¹

C15: from Old French antelop, from Medieval Latin antalopus, from Late Greek antholops a legendary beast

Example Sentences

In that case, sources said, most new Joshua tree growth would come from seeds brought into the burn scar by seed dispersers like antelope squirrels.

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In recent weeks, hundreds of giraffes, zebras, and antelopes have been removed from the Kedong Ranch, on the shores of tourist hotspot Lake Naivasha.

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Wire traps, or snares, are often set for antelope - both for food and illegal trade - but many large mammals become victims as by-catch.

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The apparent calm in the vast park, once teeming with elephants, lions and antelopes, has fuelled local hopes of a resurgence in tourism, despite warnings from Western embassies.

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Almost a week on, it has spread into the park killing at least nine antelope and destroying wildlife habitats, as well as grazing pasture in the Omusati and Oshana regions bordering Angola.

Read more on BBC