gnu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowNeutral; can be formal in zoological contexts, otherwise informal.
Quick answer
What does “gnu” mean?
A large African antelope with a head resembling an ox, a mane, a beard, and a long tail.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large African antelope with a head resembling an ox, a mane, a beard, and a long tail.
Often used metaphorically to denote something unexpected or surprising due to the animal's unusual appearance and the word's spelling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties primarily know the word as the animal name.
Connotations
Neutral, zoological. Occasionally humorous due to the spelling.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, largely confined to nature contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gnu” in a Sentence
[see/spot/observe] a gnua herd of [NUM] gnu/gnusthe [ADJ] gnuVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used, except in rare brand names or project code names (e.g., GNU Project in computing).
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and ecology texts discussing African fauna.
Everyday
Used when talking about African wildlife, safaris, or nature documentaries.
Technical
In computing, 'GNU' (recursive acronym for 'GNU's Not Unix') is a major free software project. This is a distinct, proper noun usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gnu”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gnu”
- Pronouncing the 'g' (e.g., /gnuː/).
- Using the plural 'gnus' interchangeably with 'gnu' as a collective plural (both are acceptable).
- Confusing it with the similar-sounding 'new' or 'knew' in listening.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'gnu' and 'wildebeest' are two common names for the same animal. 'Wildebeest' is Afrikaans/Dutch in origin, while 'gnu' comes from a Khoisan language.
The 'gn' digraph at the start of a word is often silent in English, borrowed from other languages (e.g., gnat, gnome, gnaw). The pronunciation follows the original Khoisan word more closely.
Both 'gnu' and 'gnus' are acceptable plurals. 'A herd of gnu' is common, but you can also say 'several gnus'.
No, it is a coincidental acronym. In computing, GNU is a recursive acronym standing for 'GNU's Not Unix', a project for developing free software. It is pronounced with a hard 'G' (/g'nuː/).
A large African antelope with a head resembling an ox, a mane, a beard, and a long tail.
Gnu is usually neutral; can be formal in zoological contexts, otherwise informal. in register.
Gnu: in British English it is pronounced /nuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /nuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GNU' is a 'new' animal to spell – the 'G' is silent, so it sounds like 'new'.
Conceptual Metaphor
RARITY/UNUSUALNESS (e.g., 'as unexpected as a silent g').
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct pronunciation of 'gnu'?