gazelle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, literary, zoological
Quick answer
What does “gazelle” mean?
A small, slender, graceful antelope native to Africa and Asia, known for its speed and large, dark eyes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, slender, graceful antelope native to Africa and Asia, known for its speed and large, dark eyes.
A term used metaphorically for a person (especially a woman) who is graceful, quick, or elegant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally evokes grace, speed, and exotic wildlife.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties; slightly higher in British English in literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gazelle” in a Sentence
The gazelle [verb of motion: bounded, leapt, sprinted] across the plain.She moved with the grace of a gazelle.They spotted a gazelle [prepositional phrase: near the waterhole, among the acacias].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gazelle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/Nonstandard) 'He gazelled past the defenders with incredible agility.' (Poetic/creative use)
American English
- (Rare/Nonstandard) 'She gazelled across the finish line, leaving her competitors behind.'
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare) No standard usage.
American English
- (Extremely rare) No standard usage.
adjective
British English
- (Rare) 'She had a gazelle-like elegance as she walked.'
American English
- (Rare) 'His gazelle grace was surprising for a footballer.'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically in branding for agility (e.g., 'Our startup is the gazelle of the tech sector').
Academic
Used in zoology, ecology, and biology papers discussing ruminants, savanna ecosystems, or animal behaviour.
Everyday
Used when discussing wildlife, documentaries, or as a compliment for grace and speed.
Technical
Specific in zoological taxonomy (e.g., Genus *Gazella*), wildlife management, and conservation biology.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gazelle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gazelle”
- Misspelling: 'gazel', 'gazzelle'.
- Incorrect plural: 'gazelle' (for multiple animals; 'gazelles' is standard).
- Confusing with larger antelopes like 'eland' or 'kudu'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'gazelle' is a general term for the species. A male is sometimes specifically called a 'buck' and a female a 'doe'.
No, 'gazelle' is not a standard verb in English. Any verbal use is highly creative, poetic, or non-standard.
The most common error is spelling, often omitting the second 'l' or the final 'e'.
It's a recognised literary or complimentary metaphor ('graceful as a gazelle'), but it's not an everyday figure of speech. It is more common in written descriptions than casual conversation.
A small, slender, graceful antelope native to Africa and Asia, known for its speed and large, dark eyes.
Gazelle is usually formal, literary, zoological in register.
Gazelle: in British English it is pronounced /ɡəˈzɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡəˈzɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run like a gazelle”
- “graceful as a gazelle”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A GA-ZELLE runs GA-ZELLy fast.' The 'z' sound suggests speed (zoom, zest).
Conceptual Metaphor
GRACE/SPEED IS A GAZELLE (e.g., 'She is a gazelle on the dance floor').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'gazelle' used most literally and technically?