dik-dik

American  

[dik-dik] / ˈdɪkˌdɪk /

noun

1. any antelope of the genus Madoqua or Rhynchotragus, of eastern and southwestern Africa, growing only to 14 inches (36 centimeters) high at the shoulder.

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dik-dik British  

/ ˈdɪkˌdɪk /

noun

1. any small antelope of the genus Madoqua, inhabiting semiarid regions of Africa, having an elongated muzzle and, in the male, small stout horns

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Etymology

Origin of dik-dik

First recorded in 1880–85; probably from an East African language; imitative of the animal's cry

Example Sentences

In a clearing in rural Somalia, a jihadi commander sat in a white plastic chair, stroking a dik-dik, an antelope the size of a cat.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 16, 2019

The commander, who had offered safe passage and a rare interview, released the dik-dik, which scuttled off into the bush.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 16, 2019

We saw two or three dik-dik and one of the giraffes.

From The Land of Footprints by White, Stewart Edward

Among the low brush at the edge of the river jungle dwelt also the dik-dik, the tiniest miniature of a deer you could possibly imagine.

From The Land of Footprints by White, Stewart Edward

For upward of a mile the hunters encountered nothing but a few dik-dik and steinbuck—tiny grass antelope, too small for the purpose.

From The Leopard Woman by White, Stewart Edward