kudu

noun

ku·​du ˈkü-(ˌ)dü 

variants or less commonly koodoo

plural kudu or kudus also koodoo or koodoos

: a large grayish brown African antelope (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) with large annulated spirally twisted horns

also : a related antelope (T. imberbis)

Illustration of kudu

Examples of kudu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These horns come from the African greater kudu antelope and are rooted in the traditions of Yemenite Jewry. — Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026

The kudu on the Save have magnificent horns and are as big as horses, but the sable simply don’t grow large. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026

Located just outside the center of town, the property sits on the edge of a hillside, overlooking the surrounding bush, and there’s a busy waterhole that regularly attracts elephant, buffalo, warthog and kudu. — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026

The size and shape of antelope horns range dramatically, from the tiny spikes of duikers to the majestic corkscrew horns (more than 160 cm [63 inches] long) of the greater kudu. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Afrikaans koedoe, from Khoikhoi kudu-b, kudu-s

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kudu

noun

ku·​du

variants also koodoo

ˈküd-(ˌ)ü

plural kudu or kudus also koodoo or koodoos

: a large grayish brown African antelope with long twisted horns