Search Dictionary
Definition of waterbuck
waterbuck
/ˈwɑːtərbʌk/
wa · ter · buck
Plural:waterbucks
waterbuck Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
waterbuck Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A large, heavily built antelope (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a shaggy, grey-brown coat, a prominent white ring or patch on its rump, and a strong preference for habitats near rivers and lakes.
Example
"While on safari in the Kruger National Park, we photographed a male waterbuck with magnificent, sweeping horns resting near the riverbank."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for waterbuck• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From English 'water' and 'buck', coined in the 19th century to describe the antelope's strong preference for habitats closely tied to rivers, lakes, and wetlands in Africa.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Waterbuck. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/waterbuck