Illustration of zebu
: any of various breeds of domestic oxen developed in India that are often considered conspecific with the common ox (Bos taurus) or sometimes as a separate species (B. indicus) and are characterized by a large fleshy hump over the shoulders, a dewlap, pendulous ears, and marked resistance to the injurious effects of heat and insect attack
Examples of zebu in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Some focus on fishing in the ocean or among the mangroves, others on herding zebu cattle, and still others on harvesting resources from the forest.
—
Ari Daniel, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
In Darlington, Pennsylvania, 4 miles from the accident, managers of the Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch evacuated 77 of their biggest animals, including a yak and a zebu, for two days.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 14 Feb. 2023
There is a boy driving a herd of zebu up the side path from their morning bath in the sea.
—Andrea Lee, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2020
That’s not news to Grigson, who, flouting the standard view among archeologists, has long argued that zebu cattle were domesticated independently in India.
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Sweet, sweet Humphrey the miniature zebu stands just over two feet tall.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN, 8 Sep. 2019
The book’s acknowledgments make reference to a zebu (cow) skeleton in their living room.
—Julie Zickefoose, WSJ, 22 Nov. 2018
Make the most out of summer’s last hoorah with Byredo’s zebu horn comb, perfect for detangling salty lengths.
—Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2018
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Ari Daniel, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
In Darlington, Pennsylvania, 4 miles from the accident, managers of the Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch evacuated 77 of their biggest animals, including a yak and a zebu, for two days.
—Aria Bendix, NBC News, 14 Feb. 2023
There is a boy driving a herd of zebu up the side path from their morning bath in the sea.
—Andrea Lee, The New Yorker, 28 Dec. 2020
That’s not news to Grigson, who, flouting the standard view among archeologists, has long argued that zebu cattle were domesticated independently in India.
—Carl Zimmer, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019
Sweet, sweet Humphrey the miniature zebu stands just over two feet tall.
—Scottie Andrew, CNN, 8 Sep. 2019
The book’s acknowledgments make reference to a zebu (cow) skeleton in their living room.
—Julie Zickefoose, WSJ, 22 Nov. 2018
Make the most out of summer’s last hoorah with Byredo’s zebu horn comb, perfect for detangling salty lengths.
—Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Zebu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zebu. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
zebu
noun
ze·bu
ˈzē-b(y)ü 
: any of various breeds of domestic oxen developed in India that have a large fleshy hump over the shoulders and loose skin with hanging folds and that are able to withstand the harmful effects of heat and insect attack
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