gnu

noun

plural gnu or gnus

Illustration of gnu

Illustration of gnu

Examples of gnu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dinosaur riddles are old, but antelope riddles are gnu. San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2023 The protesters might instead have been using signs with a kangaroo or an elephant or a gnu. Ananya Bhattacharya, Quartz, 6 Oct. 2021 Then cruise the Rufiji River to watch for elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, and brindled gnu. Kitson Jazynka, National Geographic, 14 June 2019 In short, no gnus is bad news—and gnu populations are on the decline. Ryan P. Smith, Smithsonian, 11 July 2018 Finally, after nearly 80 years, the Detroit Zoo has gotten some gnu animals. Bryce Airgood, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2018 Last Tuesday, the 8-by-12-foot glass fronts came down from dioramas of lowland gorillas and takin (a gnu goat from mountainous western China), and the sweet smell of old preservative filled the air. Stephan Salisbury, Philly.com, 19 Feb. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Khoikhoi t'gnu

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gnu was in 1777

Dictionary Entries Near gnu

Cite this Entry

“Gnu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gnu. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gnu

noun
plural gnu or gnus

More from Merriam-Webster on gnu

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!