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 Best Travel Photography of 2023 From the wildebeest migration in Kenya and volcanic eruptions in Iceland to shamanic rituals in Siberia. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

The move comes during one of the Mara’s busiest periods, when the annual wildebeest migration draws huge numbers of animals, tourists and conservation teams onto the grasslands. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

The grounds have zebras, water buffalo, bongos, wildebeests, giraffes, emus and more – see a full list of animals here. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

Future Live Migrations productions are planned around the journeys of sandhill cranes, whales, wildebeest and monarch butterflies. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

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