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impala

a graceful, medium-sized African antelope known for leaping

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Where does the word "impala" come from? It comes from Zulu impala, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

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Where does the word "impala" come from? It comes from Zulu impala, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

Impala’s story begins in Zulu: impala meant “impala antelope.” The name for the swift African antelope. It reached English by 1800s as impala. Zulu 'impala'; the antelope can leap three metres high. Today, impala means a graceful, medium-sized African antelope known for leaping.

  1. Stage 1 · Zulu · ancient impala "impala antelope", the name for the swift African antelope.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s impala "a graceful African antelope", Zulu 'impala'; the antelope can leap three metres high.

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