gnu

[ noo, nyoo ]

noun

, plural gnus, (especially collectively) gnu.

1. either of two stocky, oxlike antelopes of the genus Connochaetes, the silver-gray, white-bearded C. taurinus of the eastern African plain and the black, white-tailed C. gnou of central South Africa: recently near extinction, the South African gnu is now protected.

gnu

/ nuː /

noun

1. either of two sturdy antelopes, Connochaetes taurinus ( brindled gnu ) or the much rarer C. gnou ( white-tailed gnu ), inhabiting the savannas of Africa, having an oxlike head and a long tufted tail Also calledwildebeest

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnu¹

1770–80; < Khoikhoi, first recorded as t’gnu; probably to be identified with ǂnû black, as applying originally to the black wildebeest

Word History and Origins

Origin of gnu¹

C18: from Xhosa nqu

Example Sentences

A delegation of GNU ministers were expected in Benghazi in the east on Thursday to show solidarity and discuss relief efforts, a rare occurrence since the eastern-based parliament rejected their administration last year.

From Reuters

A delegation of GNU ministers were expected in Benghazi in the east on Thursday to show solidarity and discuss relief efforts, a rare occurrence since the eastern-based parliament rejected their administration last year.

From Reuters

Anger against Dbeibah and the GNU flared late on Sunday when Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said he had met Libyan Foreign Minister Najla Mangoush in Rome and they had discussed future cooperation.

From Reuters

The arrests, and Friday's heavy security presence, underscore the increasingly precarious position of the GNU amid a concerted push by Libyan factions to replace it with a new administration.

From Reuters

Major warfare paused in 2020 but a political process to unify Libya and hold elections has stalled, with the eastern-based parliament and other parts of the political system rejecting the GNU's legitimacy.

From Reuters