kudu

noun

ku·​du ˈkü-(ˌ)dü 

variants or less commonly koodoo

plural kudu or kudus also koodoo or koodoos

: a large grayish brown African antelope (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) with large annulated spirally twisted horns

also : a related antelope (T. imberbis)

Illustration of kudu

Examples of kudu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The journey is lead by a local Samburu guide who will show participants how to follow the tracks of African iconic animals like kudu or zebra and will set up camp under starry skies As part of the experience, guests will meet with a Samburu tribe and learn about their daily rituals. —Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Giant East Cape kudu, nyala, waterbuck, and eland are just the start. —Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 11 July 2024

The Aldabra tortoises, giraffes, elephants, kudu, bonobos, coatis and gorillas all headed toward their barns. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2024

Her guiding skills led us to incredible sightings, including a pair of lions chasing a herd of kudu, a pod of hippos sunning themselves, and dozens of elephants enjoying a mud bath. —Sandra MacGregor, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Afrikaans koedoe, from Khoikhoi kudu-b, kudu-s

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

kudu

noun

ku·​du

variants also koodoo

ˈküd-(ˌ)ü

plural kudu or kudus also koodoo or koodoos

: a large grayish brown African antelope with long twisted horns