oryx

noun

ˈȯr-iks 

ˈär-

plural oryx or oryxes

: any of a small genus (Oryx) of large heavily built African and Arabian antelopes that have a light-colored coat with dark conspicuous markings especially on the face compare gemsbok

Illustration of oryx

Examples of oryx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The study’s authors said more oryx samples will need to be tested in order to understand the real footprint of contamination in and around the lake. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 30 Jan. 2025

Each evening the hotel arranges a desert safari in a 4x4 that takes you over the sand dunes to spot the desert’s elusive oryx and native gazelles. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Texas wildlife centers have actively worked to reintroduce this oryx into its native regions. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 9 Sep. 2024

By extracting and studying DNA from the hairs, scientists determined the two lions feasted on giraffe, waterbuck, zebra, oryx, wildebeest—and, yes, several humans. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, a gazelle, from Greek, pickax, antelope, kind of whale, from oryssein to dig; akin to Latin runcare to grub up, weed, Sanskrit luñcati he plucks

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

oryx

noun

ˈōr-iks 

ˈȯr-,

ˈär-

plural oryx or oryxes

: any of several African antelopes having long horns that are straight or that curve backward