DictionarychamoisMountain goat-antelope
noun

chamois

A goat-antelope native to European mountains.

A chamois stood on the rocky ledge.

Etymology

French chamois names the mountain animal. Its hide also supplied a familiar leather name, while this use retains the reference to the living goat-antelope.

More examples

  • The chamois moved easily across the steep slope.
  • We spotted several chamois above the tree line.
  • The animal's curved horns identified it as a chamois.

Forms

chamois · chamoises

Similar words

goat
A chamois is a goat-antelope, not simply a domestic goat.
ibex
An ibex is another mountain animal with much larger, differently curved horns.