dik-dik

[ dik-dik ]

noun

1. any antelope of the genus Madoqua or Rhynchotragus, of eastern and southwestern Africa, growing only to 14 inches (36 centimeters) high at the shoulder.

dik-dik

/ ˈdɪkˌdɪk /

noun

1. any small antelope of the genus Madoqua, inhabiting semiarid regions of Africa, having an elongated muzzle and, in the male, small stout horns

Word History and Origins

Origin of dik-dik¹

First recorded in 1880–85; probably from an East African language; imitative of the animal's cry

Word History and Origins

Origin of dik-dik¹

C19: an East African name, probably of imitative origin

Example Sentences

"During his daily excursions, there are always two keepers with him and most days they encounter a number of wild animals along the way, varying from elephants, to the tiny dik-dik."

From Fox News

In a clearing in rural Somalia, a jihadi commander sat in a white plastic chair, stroking a dik-dik, an antelope the size of a cat.

From The New Yorker

A couple of years ago, the zoo had to bottle-feed a dik-dik named Dasher when his mother did not provide the proper care.

From Washington Times

On the short Land Rover drive down from Saruni Samburu’s crested perch, you’ll pass cute little dik-dik antelope scurrying in the bush, and gerenuk gazelles standing upright to feed on bushes.

From Forbes

For leopards will eat him up if he gets fatter, And so, for a dik-dik, size really does matter.

From Washington Post