zebu

American  

[zee-byoo, -boo] / ˈzi byu, -bu /

noun

1. one of a domesticated form of cattle, Bos taurus indicus, of India, having a large hump over the shoulders and a large dewlap.

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zebu British  

/ ˈziːbuː /

noun

1. a domesticated ox, Bos indicus, having a humped back, long horns, and a large dewlap: used in India and E Asia as a draught animal

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Etymology

Origin of zebu

First recorded in 1765–75, zebu is from the French word zébu, of obscure origin

Explanation

In India, a common species of farmed animal is the zebu, an ox-like bovine that's also known as "humped cattle." If you see a zebu, you'll know it by the large hump on its back and flap of skin, or dewlap, hanging from its neck. They're useful domestic cattle, commonly raised for milk on the Indian subcontinent, as well as for meat and as draft animals, pulling plows or carts on farms. The word zebu comes from the French, with a Tibetan root.

Example Sentences

And at top-dollar auctions, the Nelore offspring is the zebu of choice—and not just for their meat.

From National Geographic • Jan. 24, 2024

Cellphone signals die as the sky widens and the ubiquitous zebu cattle grow sparse.

From New York Times • Jan. 16, 2024

The men shepherded some zebu, goats and sheep down the street to an empty piece of land with breath-taking views of the ocean.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2022

The image is arresting: a man sits astride a motorcycle, the handlebars adorned with the giant skull of a zebu, its horns forming a wide skeletal embrace.

From The Guardian • Jun. 17, 2018

"We must see the toucans this time," Bertram announced in a grave voice, "and last time we missed the zebu."

From Poor Relations by MacKenzie, Compton