wildebeest

noun

wil·​de·​beest ˈwil-də-ˌbēst How to pronounce wildebeest (audio)
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

Illustration of wildebeest

Examples of wildebeest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The apex predator goes after fish, as well as medium-sized mammals like wildebeests, young elephants, and antelopes. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024 From the great migrations of wildebeest across the Serengeti, to the breathtaking journey of monarch butterflies in Mexico, these are five wilderness migrations worth traveling for. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 From July to October, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and other animals migrate to the park from the Serengeti in search of pasture, a massive journey known as the Great Migration. Bygeoffrey Kamadi, science.org, 10 Sep. 2024 The resulting scene is a spectacle like no other, drawing throngs of tourists to watch a multitude of wildebeests cross the Mara River. Bygeoffrey Kamadi, science.org, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wildebeest 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wildebeest.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Afrikaans wildebees, from wilde wild + bees ox

First Known Use

circa 1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wildebeest was circa 1824

Dictionary Entries Near wildebeest

Cite this Entry

“Wildebeest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wildebeest. Accessed 14 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

wildebeest

noun
wil·​de·​beest ˈwil-də-ˌbēst How to pronounce wildebeest (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on wildebeest

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