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noun

antler

ANT-luh

Antler (noun) means a bony, branching growth on the head of a deer, moose, or similar animal, shed and regrown each year. Example: “The stag lowered its antlers as it faced its rival.”

noun
1
A bony, branching growth on the head of a deer, moose, or similar animal, shed and regrown each year.
"The stag lowered its antlers as it faced its rival."
"Antlers can grow astonishingly fast during the summer months."

How to use antler

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe branching horn-like growths on a deer's head.

Common mistake

Antlers are shed and regrown yearly and are made of bone; horns (on cattle, goats, etc.) are permanent and grow continuously.

Easily confused with

Word forms

antlers plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The stag lowered its _____ as it faced its rival.

Etymology

From Old French antoillier, ultimately traced to a Latin phrase meaning roughly "before the eye" — describing where the growth sits on the head.

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “antler” mean?

The word “antler” means a bony, branching growth on the head of a deer, moose, or similar animal, shed and regrown each year. In plain terms, the branching horn-like growths on a deer's head.

How do you pronounce “antler”?

“Antler” is pronounced ANT-luh (/ˈænt.lɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “antler” in a sentence?

Here is “antler” used in a sentence: “The stag lowered its antlers as it faced its rival.”

What part of speech is “antler”?

“Antler” is a noun.

Where does the word “antler” come from?

The word “antler” comes from Latin. From Old French antoillier, ultimately traced to a Latin phrase meaning roughly "before the eye" — describing where the growth sits on the head.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial