bongo

¹bon·go

noun \ˈbäŋ-(ˌ)gō, ˈbȯŋ-\

plural bongos also bongoes

Definition of BONGO

: one of a pair of small connected drums of different sizes and pitches played with the hands

— bon·go·ist \-ˌgō-ist\ noun

Origin of BONGO

American Spanish bongó

First Known Use: 1920

²bongo

noun

plural bongo or bongos

Definition of BONGO

: an African antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus syn. Boocerus euryceros) that is chestnut red with narrow white vertical stripes and is found in forests from Sierra Leone to Kenya

Origin of BONGO

probably from Kele (Bantu language of Gabon)

First Known Use: 1861

bongo

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Bongo (Boocercus euryceros).—Tom McHugh/Photo Researchers

Large, brightly coloured antelope (Tragelaphus eurycerus) found in dense forests of central Africa. Shy, swift, and elusive, the bongo lives in small groups or in pairs. It stands about 51 in. (1.3 m) at the shoulder and has an erect mane running the length of the back. Both sexes bear heavy, spirally twisted horns. The male is reddish brown to dark mahogany with black underparts, black-and-white legs, white head markings, and narrow, vertical white stripes on the body. The female is similarly marked but usually a brighter reddish brown.