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

Other animals like zebras, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, and more soon follow, benefiting from the elephants’ labor. — Nicholas Derenzo, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2026

Waterbucks stood tall and stately along the trail and hordes of the little Angola impalas scurried across in front of us. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026

Cedar Hollow Ranch is home to hundreds of animals, including impalas, Nubian ibexes and antelope. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2026

The ranch is home to a couple of hundred animals, including impalas, Nubian ibexes and an antelope found in Central Africa. — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 24 June 2026

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