bison

[bahy-suhn, -zuhn]

noun

plural

bison 

1. Also called American bison, American buffalo. a North American, oxlike ruminant, Bison bison, having a large head and high, humped shoulders: formerly common in North America, its small remaining population in isolated western areas of the U.S. and Canada is now protected.

2. Also called wisent. a related animal, Bison bonasus, of Europe, less shaggy and slightly larger than the American bison: now greatly reduced in number.

bison

/ ˈbaɪsən /

noun

1. Also called: American bison.  buffalo. a member of the cattle tribe, Bison bison , formerly widely distributed over the prairies of W North America but now confined to reserves and parks, with a massive head, shaggy forequarters, and a humped back

2. Also called: wisent.  European bison. a closely related and similar animal, Bison bonasus , formerly widespread in Europe

Other Word Forms

• bisontine adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bison¹

1350–1400; Middle English bisontes (plural) < Latin (nominative singular bisōn ) < Germanic; compare Old High German wisunt, Old English wesend, Old Norse visundr

Word History and Origins

Origin of bison¹

C14: from Latin bisōn , of Germanic origin; related to Old English wesand , Old Norse vīsundr

Example Sentences

Their plans include bringing in large herbivores including ponies, hardy cattle and eventually even bison to graze the land naturally, and there are hopes pine martens, beavers and golden eagles could recolonise the landscape.

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“Never approach, touch or attempt to feed bison. If you feel threatened, identify an escape route,” the Conservancy states.

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In addition to endangered populations, the base is home to a herd of North American bison, one of only two wild conservation herds of bison in California.

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In return, the EU will reduce to zero tariffs on "all US industrial goods", including agricultural products such as fresh fruit and vegetables, pork, bison meat, and tree nuts.

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"We are like bison, migrating together," he said.

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