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Definition of hartebeest

hartebeest

/ˈhɑːr.təˌbiːst/
har · te · beest
Plural:hartebeests
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hartebeest Lexical Profile

hartebeest Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, fast-running African antelope native to dry savannas and wooded grasslands, characterized by an elongated head, a sloping back, and ringed horns that curve backward.

Example

"During the wildlife safari in Kenya, the guide pointed out a small herd of hartebeests grazing near the acacia trees."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hartebeest

• Nearby Words

harshly
harshness
hart
hartebeest
hartford
haruspex
harvard

Word Origin & Etymology

From Afrikaans 'hartebeest', derived from early South African Dutch 'hertebeest' (from 'hert' meaning deer or hart, and 'beest' meaning beast), named by 17th-century Boer settlers due to the animal's perceived resemblance to a deer.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hartebeest. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hartebeest
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