impala

noun

im·​pa·​la im-ˈpa-lə  -ˈpä- 

plural impalas or impala

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

Illustration of impala

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A swift-running, graceful antelope, the impala is 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 (9m) long and 10 ft (3m) 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 foot. The male has long, lyre-shaped horns.

Examples of impala in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its prime location on top of the Boro River still attracts thirsty zebras, buffalo, impalas, and other wildlife that can be seen from the main lodge or from the suites. —Travis Levius, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

So, an impala who’s afraid of getting eaten by a lion can only learn to avoid the lion by getting chased by it. —Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 17 Nov. 2025

Zebras, ostriches, baboons, impalas, elephants, crocodiles, elephants whose tails had been eaten by crocodiles. —AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025

Elephants moved silently in the distance, and a herd of impala bounded across the plain, skittish but unconcerned with us. —Daniel Scheffler, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Zulu

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for impala

• cabala
• corolla
• kabbalah
• kamala
• koala
• masala
• oglala
• allah
• bala
• cala
• cholla
• mala

Kids Definition

impala

noun

im·​pa·​la im-ˈpal-ə  -ˈpäl- 

: a large brownish African antelope that in the male has slender curving horns

Etymology

from the name in Zulu, an African language