oryx

noun

ˈȯr-iks How to pronounce oryx (audio)
ˈär-
plural oryx or oryxes
: any of a small genus (Oryx) of large heavily built African and Arabian antelopes that have a light-colored coat with dark conspicuous markings especially on the face compare gemsbok

Illustration of oryx

Illustration of oryx

Examples of oryx 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.
Texas wildlife centers have actively worked to reintroduce this oryx into its native regions. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 9 Sep. 2024 By extracting and studying DNA from the hairs, scientists determined the two lions feasted on giraffe, waterbuck, zebra, oryx, wildebeest—and, yes, several humans. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 Operation Oryx was a 1962 international expedition to capture, breed and then reintroduce some of Arabia's few remaining wild oryx that had been threatened by trophy hunting, habitat destruction and the expansion of the oil industry. Joan Meiners, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2024 In a country of elephants, oryxes, and giraffes, which loom so large in tourists’ minds, Siggy is in love with the smallest of beings. Sara Miller Llana, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for oryx 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, a gazelle, from Greek, pickax, antelope, kind of whale, from oryssein to dig; akin to Latin runcare to grub up, weed, Sanskrit luñcati he plucks

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of oryx was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near oryx

Cite this Entry

“Oryx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oryx. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

oryx

noun
ˈōr-iks How to pronounce oryx (audio)
ˈȯr-,
ˈär-
plural oryx or oryxes
: any of several African antelopes having long horns that are straight or that curve backward

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