springbok

noun

spring·​bok ˈspriŋ-ˌbäk 

plural springbok or springboks

: a swift and graceful southern African gazelle (Antidorcas marsupialis) noted for its habit of springing lightly and suddenly into the air

Illustration of springbok

Examples of springbok in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Decorated with a springbok antelope, the national animal of South Africa, this gold coin is one of the most most recognizable bullion coins. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026

Oryx, springbok, and mountain zebras roam freely, and birds flit about in the low grasses. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026

Obviously, a springbok is much too small to do that. — Mac Barnett, Longreads, 5 May 2026

My best shot on a springbok was at 280 paces. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Afrikaans, from spring to jump + bok male goat

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

springbok

noun

spring·​bok ˈspriŋ-ˌbäk 

plural springbok or springboks

: a swift and graceful gazelle of southern African noted for its habit of leaping suddenly into the air