wildebeest

noun

wil·​de·​beest ˈwil-də-ˌbēst 

plural wildebeests also wildebeest

: either of two large African antelopes (Connochaetes gnou and C. taurinus) with a head like that of an ox, short mane, long tail, and horns in both sexes that curve downward and outward

called also gnu

Illustration of wildebeest

Examples of wildebeest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The moment the wildebeest started shifting, the vehicles did too, racing to beat each other to the crossing. —Jennifer Flowers, AFAR Media, 4 Aug. 2025

Each year in July and August, thousands of tourists flock to Tanzania to witness one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles: the high-stakes wildebeest crossing of the Mara River. —Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

In Africa, wildebeest and zebra roam the plains in multi-species herds. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 July 2025

While the vast plains of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti play host to megafauna like the elephant, wildebeest and zebra, there’s a wealth of smaller creatures to spot during late night hours as well. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Afrikaans wildebees, from wilde wild + bees ox

First Known Use

circa 1824, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

wildebeest

noun

wil·​de·​beest ˈwil-də-ˌbēst 

plural wildebeest also wildebeest

: either of two large African antelopes with a head like that of an ox, a short mane, a long tail, and horns that curve downward and outward

called also gnu