gnu

[noo, nyoo]

noun

plural

gnus ,

plural

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. Also called: wildebeest. 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

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

Lions, elephants and other African animals catch up on the latest gnus in the three-part nature series “Life at the Waterhole.”

From Los Angeles Times

But the humongous creatures have a soft spot for gnus when they’re drowning and for zebras and other migrating species that get swept up in river currents.

From Washington Post

One nurse is “as phlegmatic as a gnu.”

From New York Times

Ever heard of the gnu goat, the red-eared guenon or the Gila monster?

From BBC

His research showed that these cow-like animals, also called gnus, have remarkable adaptations, enabling them to walk up to 50 miles over five days without drinking water.

From New York Times