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 Other researchers aren’t so sure that transients shadow migrating pinnipeds and whales the way lions shadow migrating wildebeests in Kenya, but all acknowledge that their range is impressive. Glen Martin, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 As anyone who has found herself in a Land Cruiser parking lot to watch wildebeest migrate, Botswana’s high-value, low-impact approach is key. Ann Abel, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Travelers can get a taste of cobblestone streets and delicious cuisine with the staple European Explorer at 25 percent off, or witness exotic wildlife from penguins to hippos and wildebeests on the new Sea Safari South Africa at 15 percent off. Jennifer Chan, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2023 In the wild, cheetahs go after small animals like rabbits, as well as young antelope, wildebeests and zebras. Lee Powell, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023 An early chapter described a favorite allegory of Dalio’s, in which a pack of hyenas attacks and devours a wildebeest. Tarpley Hitt, The New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2023 And, in a roundabout way, wildebeests would profit, too, as part of the greater ecosystem. Tarpley Hitt, The New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2023 Looking across the Serengeti at herds of honking wildebeest, most of us would be awed by the exuberance of these migrating masses, resplendent in their magnitude. Amy Brady, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2023 The list doesn't include even one of the big wild mammals for which Africa is famous — its zebras and wildebeests, its rhinos and hippos, its giraffes and Cape buffalo. Jared Diamond, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2023

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 28 Mar. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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