Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

buffalo soldier

American  

noun

  1. (formerly, especially among American Indians) a Black soldier.


Etymology

Origin of buffalo soldier

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75; from the kinky hair, thought by the Indians to resemble that of a buffalo

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In World War II, Dasani’s great-grandfather was a buffalo soldier, a term that Native Americans used in the 19th century to describe Black troops, and one that stuck.

From Washington Post • Dec. 2, 2021

Emanuel Stance, a buffalo soldier and Medal of Honor recipient, has stood in Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Neb., for over a century.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2014

Isaiah Mays, another buffalo soldier, was moved to Arlington from the graveyard in Arizona.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2014

“The buffalo soldier story is such an untold story about people who were mistreated, but still showed a great love for America,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2014

Lettie Smith, 91 , the daughter of a buffalo soldier, remarks with almost aggressive matter-of-factness: "There is no better place to live in Texas."

From Time Magazine Archive