Chamois – 1. An agile goat-antelope found in mountain areas of Europe. 2. A type of soft pliable leather now made from sheepskin or lambskin.

(Pronounced sham-wah)

Note: While the pronunciation is "sham-wah" in the UK, it appears to be "sham-ee" in the US. Also, when used in conjunction with 'leather' - i.e. chamois leather it appears to be "sham-ee" in the UK and US.

To remember the definition of the word chamois, use the following mnemonic:

The prize was a sham, the hunter only wanted (chamois) to capture the goat-antelope. Luckily it was very agile and escaped up the mountain. If he had caught the goat, the skin would have been used to make leather.

Examples of chamois in a sentence (A goat-antelope)

Chamois live in herds of 15 to 20.

The team's logo featured a Chamois goat.

Chamois goats roam their habitat in the mountains.

Examples of chamois in a sentence (soft leather)

Some towels are made from chamois leather as it dries quickly.

Pieces of chamois can be used as a smudging tool for artists using charcoal and pencil for example.

Chamois bags were very fashionable at the time.