megalope

Megalope is a term used primarily in speculative fiction and online culture to describe a large, antelope-like mammal. The word combines mega-, meaning large, with lope, a reference to the animal's galloping gait. It is not a scientifically recognized species and has no formal taxonomic status.

In fictional contexts, megalope is typically imagined as larger than real antelopes, with long legs, swift speed, and horns that may differ by sex. Descriptions vary widely, but the creature is usually portrayed as a graceful herbivore adapted to open habitats such as savannas or grasslands, and sometimes as a hardy forest dweller. Some depictions emphasize extraordinary leaping ability, selective camouflage, or exaggerated stature.

Usage and perceptions: Megalope is used as a placeholder for oversized wildlife in world-building, role-playing games, and fan fiction. It may serve as a symbol of wilderness or as a creature encountered by protagonists. Because it is a fictional construct, details are not standardized and can differ between authors.

Related terms: megafauna, antelope, gazelle, leap.