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

Examples of wildebeest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Future Live Migrations productions are planned around the journeys of sandhill cranes, whales, wildebeest and monarch butterflies. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 Future Live Migrations streams will follow sandhill cranes, whales, wildebeest and monarch butterflies along their journeys. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Kenya is home to the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo), and its Maasai Mara National Reserve hosts the annual Great Migration when millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross the ecosystem. — Ashley Lynch july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 The evacuation was to provide the wildebeest with a tranquil environment, the outlet reported, and the animal ultimately returned to his enclosure on his own. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for wildebeest

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

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Browse Nearby Words

Wildean

wildebeest

wilde dagga

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Wildebeest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wildebeest. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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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

wildebeest

noun

Illustration of wildebeest

Examples of wildebeest in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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