gemsbok

American  

[gemz-bok] / ˈgɛmzˌbɒk /

Also gemsbuck

noun

plural

gemsboks,

plural

gemsbok

1. a large antelope, Oryx gazella, the largest of the oryxes, found in arid regions of southern Africa, including the Kalahari Desert, having a long black tail and conspicuous black striping on the face and from the chin to the front legs and along each lower flank to the rear legs: despite being widely hunted for their nearly straight horns, which are about 33 inches (84 centimeters) long on the males and slightly longer on the females, gemsbok have a conservation status of least concern.

---

gemsbok British  

/ ˈɡɛmzˌbʌk /

noun

1. another word for oryx

---

Etymology

Origin of gemsbok

First recorded in 1770–80; from Afrikaans, from German Gemsbock “chamois buck, male chamois”; see origin at gems, buck ¹

Example Sentences

The authors cite a hypothetical hunt of a gemsbok, a large antelope from southern Africa.

From Science Magazine • May 12, 2024

The Kgalagadi transfrontier park, which spans the border with South Africa, is an immense 3 6,000 sq km wilderness, home to gemsbok desert antelope, black-maned Kalahari lions and pygmy falcons.

From The Guardian • Dec. 2, 2015

Ahead of her, a pair of African gemsbok antelope are running.

From Time Magazine Archive

As she emerged upon a broad opening, a troop of noble gemsbok stood at gaze at fifty paces, then cantered leisurely away, their long, spear-like horns glinting to the sunlight.

From Tales of South Africa by Bryden, H.A.

He had not been gone long when we saw him returning from the north, with a gemsbok, or oryx, as I have before called it, across his saddle.

From In the Wilds of Africa by Pearse, Alfred