Zebu
/ˈziː.buː/noun
A domesticated humped cattle breed of South Asia and Africa, often adapted to hot climates.
Did you know?English got zebu through Portuguese from a South Asian word, and the animal itself became so important in trade and colonial writing that its name spread across continents.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient / Classical South Asia
Sanskrit/Prakrit
śabala / related regional forms
“A spotted or varied cattle name is often cited as a possible South Asian source, though the exact pathway is uncertain.”
16th Century
Portuguese
zebú
“A humped Indian cattle breed encountered in travel and trade accounts.”
17th-18th Century
French
zébu
“A borrowed term for the Indian humped cattle.”
18th Century
English
zebu
“A domesticated humped ox or cattle of South Asian origin.”