noun
saiga
SY-guh
Saiga (noun) means an antelope with a distinctive bulbous nose that lives across the steppes of Kazakhstan, Kalmykia and southern Siberia. Example: “A herd of saiga crossed the open steppe at dawn.”
noun
1
An antelope with a distinctive bulbous nose that lives across the steppes of Kazakhstan, Kalmykia and southern Siberia.
"A herd of saiga crossed the open steppe at dawn."
"Conservationists are tracking the saiga population in Kazakhstan."
"The saiga's odd nose helps it filter dust from the dry summer air."
How to use saiga
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA steppe antelope with a strange, drooping nose.
When to use it
Saiga is a neutral, factual term used mainly in wildlife and conservation contexts.
Memory tip
The plural is simply saiga or saigas, so either form is fine in ordinary use.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
saiga antelope
saiga population
herd of saiga
saiga steppe
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A herd of _____ crossed the open steppe at dawn.
Etymology
The word comes from Russian, which took it from a Kazakh term for the same animal. That Kazakh word in turn traces back to an old Turkic root.
Synonyms
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saiga antelope
Rhymes for saiga
See all rhymes for saiga →Frequently asked questions
What is a saiga?
It is a type of antelope found on the steppes of Central Asia and southern Siberia, known for its unusual nose.
Where do saiga live?
They range across a wide area covering Kalmykia, Kazakhstan and southern Siberia.
Is saiga the same as saiga antelope?
Yes, saiga antelope is simply another name for the same animal.
What is the meaning of saiga?
"saiga" (noun) means an antelope with a distinctive bulbous nose that lives across the steppes of Kazakhstan, Kalmykia and southern Siberia.
