pronghorn

noun

prong·​horn ˈprȯŋ-ˌhȯrn 

ˈpräŋ-

variants or less commonly pronghorn antelope

plural pronghorn or pronghorns also pronghorn antelope or pronghorn antelopes

: a swift horned ruminant mammal (Antilocapra americana) chiefly of grasslands and deserts of western North America that has a slender lean build and horns that in males grow to 10-16 inches (25-41 cm) long and have an additional forward-facing prong and in females grow to 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) long and lack a prong

Note: Although the pronghorn is sometimes informally called the pronghorn antelope or less commonly the American antelope, it belongs to a different family than true antelope and is the only living species of its family (Antilocapridae).

Illustration of pronghorn

Examples of pronghorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Whitetail deer and pronghorn in the Casper and Glenrock areas of the state have several EHD cases. — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026

Deer and elk are the most frequent victims, but pronghorn, bears and marmots have also been struck by vehicles, the state patrol said. — Celia Frazier, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Count bison and pronghorn, and embark on leaf-chasing trails. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026

Above ground, the park is a haven for bison, elk, pronghorn, coyotes, and prairie dogs. — Bailey Berg, Forbes.com, 15 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pronghorn

• adorn
• airborne
• blackthorn
• broomcorn
• buckhorn
• buckthorn
• careworn
• firstborn
• foodborne
• forborne
• forewarn
• forlorn

Kids Definition

pronghorn

noun

prong·​horn ˈprȯŋ-ˌhȯ(ə)rn 

ˈpräŋ-

plural pronghorn or pronghorns

: a cud-chewing horned mammal of treeless parts of western North America resembling an antelope

called also pronghorn antelope