noun
impala
im-PAH-luh/ɪmˈpɑːlə/
A swift, slender African antelope whose males have curved horns.
An impala leaps over the tall grass to escape danger.
Etymology
Zulu im-pala is an animal name glossed as “gazelle.” English adopted that name for the particular African antelope known as the impala.
In context
Even in more vegetated regions, athletic ability is important to avoid the local predators. Impala can leap effortlessly more than 3 m high and 11 m over the ground.
More examples
- The male impala has long, curved horns.
- A herd of impalas grazes near the river.
- We spot an impala among the trees.
Forms
impala · impalas
Similar words
- antelope
- A broader term that includes impalas and many other species.