gazelle

American  

[guh-zel] / gəˈzɛl /

noun

plural

gazelles,

plural

gazelle

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

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gazelle British  

/ 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 )

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Other Word Forms

• gazelle-like adjective
• gazellelike adjective

Etymology

Origin of gazelle

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

Compare meaning

How does gazelle compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• antelope vs. gazelle

Example Sentences

During closing arguments in the Los Angeles case a week and a half ago, Mark Lanier, an attorney representing Kaley, compared the companies to a lion preying on a herd of gazelle on the Serengeti.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The horned head of a stuffed gazelle had been knocked from its mount and was left sitting on the couch.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

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

From Salon • Jul. 17, 2024

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

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2023

It was almost fascinating, like watching the part of a wildlife documentary when the gazelle realizes it’s being stalked by a lion.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon