impala

noun

im·​pa·​la im-ˈpa-lə How to pronounce impala (audio) -ˈpä- How to pronounce impala (audio)
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

Illustration of impala

Did you know?

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.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Ten-year-old photographer Leon Petrinos, on his first safari through the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, caught the gaze of a cheetah who had just finished eating an impala. Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2015 Wild dogs are beautiful in a brutal, be-glad-you’re-not-an-impala sort of way. New York Times, 20 June 2022 Packs can easily take down an impala or a wildebeest. Saima Sidik, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Aug. 2021 But the feline predators still have to account for the speed of their prey—in this case an impala, which can zigzag at upwards of 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour. Popular Science, 13 May 2020 But the feline predators still have to account for the speed of their prey—in this case an impala (Aepyceros melampus), which can zigzag at upwards of 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 11 May 2020 The mostly treeless terrain of the African savanna gives antelopes, impalas, and other ungulates ample time to spot approaching predators, and even a slight head start can be the difference between life and death. Popular Science, 13 May 2020 The mostly treeless terrain of the African savanna gives antelopes, impalas, and other ungulates ample time to spot approaching predators, and even a slight head start can be the difference between life and death. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 11 May 2020 This leopard is about to enjoy a meal of impala while a hyena waits patiently—or not—to claim the leftovers. Ralph P. Stuart, Outdoor Life, 6 Mar. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impala.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Zulu

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impala was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near impala

Cite this Entry

“Impala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impala. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

impala

noun
im·​pa·​la im-ˈpal-ə How to pronounce impala (audio) -ˈpäl- How to pronounce impala (audio)
: a large brownish African antelope that in the male has slender curving horns
Etymology

from the name in Zulu, an African language

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