bison

noun

bi·​son ˈbī-sᵊn How to pronounce bison (audio) -zᵊn How to pronounce bison (audio)
plural bison
: any of several large living or extinct bovine mammals (genus Bison) that have a long, broad head, short, hollow horns, heavy forequarters, a large muscular hump across the shoulders, and a shaggy mane on the head and lower neck and that typically live and migrate in herds: such as
bisontine adjective

Examples of bison in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Lion’s Share is an intimate and darkly lit bar serving handcrafted cocktails and food options with exotic meats such as bison, camel, elk and wild boar. Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2024 According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, bison were once prevalent in the prairie and savanna landscapes of southern and western Wisconsin. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for bison 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bison.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin bisont-, bison, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wisant aurochs; akin to Old Prussian wissambrs aurochs

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bison was circa 1611

Dictionary Entries Near bison

Cite this Entry

“Bison.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bison. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

bison

noun
plural bison
: any of several large shaggy-maned mammals related to the ox with a large head, short horns, and a large fleshy hump above the shoulders
especially : buffalo sense c

More from Merriam-Webster on bison

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