wapiti

[ wop-i-tee ]

noun

, plural wap·i·tis, (especially collectively) wap·i·ti.

1. elk ( def 2 ).

wapiti

/ ˈwɒpɪtɪ /

noun

1. a large deer, Cervus canadensis, with large much-branched antlers, native to North America and now also common in the South Island of New Zealand Also calledAmerican elk

Word History and Origins

Origin of wapiti¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–10; from Shawnee wa·piti literally, “white rump” (equivalent to unattested Proto-Algonquian wa·p- “white” + unattested -etwiy- “rump”); introduced as an English word by U.S. physician and naturalist Benjamin S. Barton ( 1766–1815 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of wapiti¹

C19: from Shawnee, literally: white deer, from wap (unattested) white; from the animal's white tail and rump

Example Sentences

Mrs. Crozier is an exhibition model, and Shiel Crozier's over six feet three, and loose and free, and like a wapiti in his gait.

From Project Gutenberg

The Wapiti abandoned its original plans and settled down for a stay.

From Project Gutenberg

So a request to the sportsmen on the Wapiti had caused them to turn aside.

From Project Gutenberg

The sportsmen on the Wapiti wanted some of that kind of sport.

From Project Gutenberg

The bighorn resembles the wapiti in colour, although it is of a lighter brown, especially in winter.

From Project Gutenberg