impala

im·pa·la

noun \im-ˈpa-lə, -ˈpä-\

plural impalas or impala

Definition of IMPALA

: a large brownish antelope (Aepyceros melampus) of southeastern Africa that in the male has slender curved horns with ridges

Illustration of IMPALA

Origin of IMPALA

Zulu

First Known Use: 1875

Rhymes with IMPALA

cavalla

impala

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Herd of male impalas (Aepyceros melampus) in Nairobi National Park, Kenya—James P. Rowan

Swift-running, graceful antelope (Aepyceros melampus) found in large herds, usually near water, on the savannas and open woodlands of central and southern Africa. Impalas are noted for their jumping ability; when alarmed, they bound off in leaps up to 30 ft (9 m) long and 10 ft (3 m) high. Lightly built, the impala stands 30–40 in. (75–100 cm) high at the shoulder. It has a golden to reddish brown coat, white underparts, a vertical black stripe on each thigh, and a black tuft behind each hind hoof. The male has long, lyre-shaped horns.