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

“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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The giant rainbow-colored headdress sitting atop a bison beckoned generations of Angelenos and other drivers heading into Nevada on the 15 Freeway.

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