impala
n. countablen. a medium-sized African antelope that is famous for its ability to jump very high and far. It has a reddish-brown coat and the males have long, curved horns.
n. a medium-sized African antelope, Aepyceros melampus, noted for its graceful build and leaping ability. Characterised by a lyrate horn structure in males and a distinctive black-and-white pattern on the tail and hindquarters.
The impala jumped over the tall grass to escape.
During our safari in the Serengeti, we watched a large herd of impala grazing near the watering hole at sunset.
The impala is a keystone species in many African savannas, serving as a primary food source for large predators like leopards and cheetahs while influencing vegetation through its selective grazing habits.
From Zulu impala.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The plural form can be either 'impala' or 'impalas'.
Last updated May 9, 2026