musk ox

noun

: a heavyset, shaggy-coated, bovid mammal (Ovibos moschatus) of tundra regions of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska with the males producing a strong musky odor from glands beneath the eyes

Illustration of musk ox

Illustration of musk ox

Examples of musk ox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Inland, vast stretches of tundra support herds of reindeer, wild musk ox, and Arctic wolves, and land excursions reveal waterfalls and sculptural ice caves. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2024 As the bear killed one musk ox, the other six fled—and, with them, the entire reason for the Zimovs’ perilous voyage. Ferris Jabr, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 July 2024 Ungava Polar Eco-Tours From musk ox sightings to some of the highest tidal elevations, Quebec's northernmost regions offer unparalleled natural immersion. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2023 Those pieces include a cougar, a bison, a few deer, and a musk ox. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 1 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for musk ox 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'musk ox.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of musk ox was in 1744

Dictionary Entries Near musk ox

Cite this Entry

“Musk ox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/musk%20ox. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

musk ox

noun
: a large shaggy-coated wild ox native to Greenland, Canada and Alaska with the males producing a strong odor similar to musk from glands below the eyes
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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