What does springbok mean?
A springbok is an antelope native to southern Africa and particularly associated with South Africa. The animal is recognizable by its tan coat, dark side stripe, white belly, and, in males, curved horns; it is also renowned for extraordinary leaps and for moving in herds. The word additionally serves as the name for a member of South Africa’s national rugby union team, with “Springboks” commonly referring to the team as a whole. This sporting sense has become especially prominent in international rugby, where South African players are regularly described as Springboks. An older verbal meaning, “to leap or bound,” survives mainly in historical or literary usage. The name comes from Afrikaans and ultimately Dutch, and the springbok has become a powerful cultural symbol because of its speed, grace, distinctive appearance, and close association with South African identity.
A medium-sized antelope native to southern Africa, noted for its leaping ability and white, dark-banded, and reddish-brown coloration.
"The springbok bounded across the grassland as the predators gave chase."
Common throughout southern Africa. In capitalized form, “Springbok” also denotes a South African rugby international.
To leap, spring, or bound.
"The startled antelope springboked over the fence and disappeared into the scrub."
Archaic and rare in contemporary English; the standard modern verb is “spring.”
The plural refers to individual animals or to members of the South African rugby team; capitalized “Springboks” usually denotes the team collectively.
"A herd of springboks moved across the plain."
The springbok is South Africa’s emblematic antelope—and its national rugby team borrowed the same name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does springbok come from?
The word comes from Afrikaans springbok, borrowed from Dutch springbok. Its elements mean “spring” and “buck,” referring to the animal’s characteristic leaping movement. Afrikaans was largely formed from Dutch during the period of Dutch settlement at the Cape, and the compound entered English through South African usage. A German cognate, Springbock, exists as well.
Related word forms
How springbok is actually used
The animal is widespread in southern Africa, especially South Africa and Namibia. In rugby contexts, “Springbok,” often capitalized, refers to a South African international; the plural “Springboks” commonly denotes the national team. The verb is now archaic and rarely encountered in modern English.