: one of the paired deciduous solid bony processes that arise from the frontal bone on the head of an animal of the deer family
also : a branch of an antler

Examples of antler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An early tour of his estate, provided by the swirling camerawork of Emmanuel Lubezki, reveals a catalogue of crimes against the animal kingdom, with antlers and furs festooning every surface. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026 There are no emotions in it, only our own cold and cruel fears reflected back at us, as with a shot of Cruise standing defiantly in front of a mirror rimmed by antlers. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 Getting tangled up in antlers isn't my idea of an enjoyable afternoon. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 The handblown-glass antler chandelier by LWSN offers a fresh take on alpine design. — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antler

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aunteler, from Anglo-French antiler, from Vulgar Latin *anteoculare, from neuter of *anteocularis located before the eye, from Latin ante- + oculus eye — more at eye

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antler was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antler. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: the solid often branched horn of a deer or one of its close relatives that is cast off and grown anew each year
also : a branch of such horn

More from Merriam-Webster on antler

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster