gazelle

[ guh-zel ]

noun

, plural ga·zelles, (especially collectively) ga·zelle.

1. any small antelope of the genus Gazella and allied genera, of Africa and Asia, noted for graceful movements and lustrous eyes.

gazelle

/ ɡəˈzɛl /

noun

1. any small graceful usually fawn-coloured antelope of the genera Gazella and Procapra, of Africa and Asia, such as G. thomsoni ( Thomson's gazelle )

Derived Forms

• gaˈzelle-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• ga·zellelike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gazelle¹

1575–85; < French; Old French gazel < Arabic ghazāla

Word History and Origins

Origin of gazelle¹

C17: from Old French, from Arabic ghazāl

Example Sentences

The media engaged in a feeding frenzy like lions having downed a hapless gazelle.

From Salon

At the site, known as Shinfa-Metema 1, the researchers uncovered thousands of bones, some covered in cut marks, from gazelles, warthogs and even giraffes, suggesting that the humans were hunting these species.

From New York Times

She was called an "amiable anteater" with an "unbelievable nose", who resembled "a myopic gazelle".

From BBC

This behavior occurs across a range of animals, from guppies to gazelles.

From Scientific American

I did not jump, or hop, or run—I leaped like a gazelle.

From Literature