pronghorn

noun

prong·​horn ˈprȯŋ-ˌhȯrn 

ˈpräŋ-

variants or less commonly pronghorn antelope

plural pronghorn or pronghorns also pronghorn antelope or pronghorn antelopes

: a swift horned ruminant mammal (Antilocapra americana) chiefly of grasslands and deserts of western North America that has a slender lean build and horns that in males grow to 10-16 inches (25-41 cm) long and have an additional forward-facing prong and in females grow to 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) long and lack a prong

Note: Although the pronghorn is sometimes informally called the pronghorn antelope or less commonly the American antelope, it belongs to a different family than true antelope and is the only living species of its family (Antilocapridae).

Illustration of pronghorn

Examples of pronghorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The high-quality habitat supports one of the largest herds of pronghorn antelope in Arizona, as well as nesting for western burrowing owls and a potential reintroduction site for the endangered black-footed ferret. —John Leos, The Arizona Republic, 2 Dec. 2024

While cheetah clocks in 65 mph for short bursts of speed, pronghorns can reach speeds of up to 60 mph, but for longer periods of time. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024

But there are minor differences that can mean life or death for pronghorn, mule deer, and other wildlife trying to escape wildfires like the House Draw, the Remington Fire, or the Elk Fire near Sheridan, which was only 16 percent contained as of Thursday. —Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 10 Oct. 2024

Keep your eyes peeled for pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and foxes. —Carrie Dennis, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pronghorn

noun

prong·​horn ˈprȯŋ-ˌhȯ(ə)rn 

ˈpräŋ-

plural pronghorn or pronghorns

: a cud-chewing horned mammal of treeless parts of western North America resembling an antelope

called also pronghorn antelope