What does gazelle mean?
A gazelle is a small, slender antelope, usually with slender horns, known for quickness, agility, and graceful movement. Gazelles live in parts of Africa and Asia, with species occupying habitats that include grassland, desert, and rocky uplands. In ordinary English, the word names the animal rather than a particular species, although zoologists may use it more precisely for members of the gazelle group. The regular plural is “gazelles.” Outside wildlife writing, gazelles are often invoked as a vivid symbol of speed, lightness, beauty, or caution, as when a person moves with “gazelle-like” grace or a business is described as moving like a gazelle. The word has no strong register restriction and is understood in both British and American English. Its unusual history adds interest: English borrowed the name through French, and the term ultimately comes from Arabic and Persian words for the animal. Thus “gazelle” combines a precise zoological identity with a familiar cultural image of an animal that seems almost built for rapid, elegant escape.
nounA small, slender, swift antelope of the gazelle group, typically with narrow, often curved horns.
- A small, slender, swift antelope of the gazelle group, typically with narrow, often curved horns.
"The gazelle bounded across the open plain, escaping the pursuing lion with effortless grace."
"A herd of gazelles crossed the grassland as the sun began to rise."
"The dancer moved across the stage with gazelle-like grace."
The regular plural takes the ending -s and is used for multiple animals.
"A herd of gazelles grazed near the edge of the desert."
Its name travelled from Persian to Arabic to French and then English, while the animal became an enduring symbol of speed and grace.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gazelle
The word appears in English in the early 17th century, borrowed through French gazelle. The modern English form ultimately derives from Arabic ghazāl, which was borrowed from Persian gazāl, both words meaning “gazelle.” The older English spelling gazzelle also occurs, reflecting the doubled consonant found in related continental forms.
Related word forms
How gazelle is actually used
The term is neutral in factual descriptions of the animal. Figurative use, especially for graceful or rapid movement, is common in literary and promotional contexts.