zebu

[ zee-byoo, -boo ]

noun

1. one of a domesticated form of cattle, Bos taurus indicus, of India, having a large hump over the shoulders and a large dewlap.

zebu

/ ˈziːbuː /

noun

1. a domesticated ox, Bos indicus, having a humped back, long horns, and a large dewlap: used in India and E Asia as a draught animal

Word History and Origins

Origin of zebu¹

First recorded in 1765–75, zebu is from the French word zébu, of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of zebu¹

C18: from French zébu, perhaps of Tibetan origin

Example Sentences

When the bidding was closed, investors had paid a record $4.3 million for the magnificent Brazilian Nelore, an offspring of the ancient zebu breed of domestic cattle.

From National Geographic

Cellphone signals die as the sky widens and the ubiquitous zebu cattle grow sparse.

From New York Times

This includes the taurine cattle found primarily in Europe and temperate areas of Asia; indicine cattle, or zebus, found primarily in India and tropical areas of Asia; and water buffalos in East and Southeast Asia.

From Science Daily

During my visit I had to leave after witnessing the sacrifice of two zebu.

From BBC

At the signing, QMM gave the communities zebus and rice "as a symbol of reconciliation", and agreed to continue providing food supplies to the affected fishing community for a further two months.

From Reuters