musk ox

noun

: a heavyset, shaggy-coated, bovid mammal (Ovibos moschatus) of tundra regions of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska with the males producing a strong musky odor from glands beneath the eyes

Illustration of musk ox

Illustration of musk ox

Examples of musk ox in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This wild tundra is home to reindeer, arctic hares, and 40 percent of the world’s musk ox population. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 15 Apr. 2025 Today, climate change and warming are, as for many other species, a major concern for the musk ox’s survival. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 The musk ox has been a source of food for the Arctic territories indigenous populations who also use its fleece for warm clothing and tools. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 Inland, vast stretches of tundra support herds of reindeer, wild musk ox, and Arctic wolves, and land excursions reveal waterfalls and sculptural ice caves. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for musk ox

Word History

First Known Use

1744, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of musk ox was in 1744

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Cite this Entry

“Musk ox.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/musk%20ox. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

musk ox

noun
: a large shaggy-coated wild ox native to Greenland, Canada and Alaska with the males producing a strong odor similar to musk from glands below the eyes
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