antler

noun

ant·​ler ˈant-lər 

: one of the paired deciduous solid bony processes that arise from the frontal bone on the head of an animal of the deer family

also : a branch of an antler

antlered

ˈant-lərd 

adjective

antlerless

ˈant-lər-ləs 

adjective

Examples of antler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The larger bull was defiant and was swinging his magnificent antlers from side to side. —Anton Money, Outdoor Life, 15 Aug. 2024

The name buck moon comes from the antlers of male deer, or bucks, that are in full-growth mode during July, according to the Farmer's Almanac. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 20 July 2024

In late spring, male deer start to grow new antlers, and these new antlers, coated in velvety fur, can be fully visible by July, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 19 July 2024

The full moon in July — which will rise in the southeast after sunset on July 20 to 21 — is called the Buck Moon because the antlers of male deer are in full-growth mode this time of year, according to Almanac.com. —Christine Clarridge, Axios, 19 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aunteler, from Anglo-French antiler, from Vulgar Latin *anteoculare, from neuter of *anteocularis located before the eye, from Latin ante- + oculus eye — more at eye

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing antler

• royal antler

Kids Definition

antler

noun

ant·​ler ˈant-lər 

: the solid often branched horn of a deer or one of its close relatives that is cast off and grown anew each year

also : a branch of such horn

antlered

-lərd 

adjective

antlerless

-ləs 

adjective