bison

noun

bi·​son ˈbī-sᵊn  -zᵊn 

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

a

: american bison

b

: european bison

bisontine

ˈbī-sᵊn-ˌtīn 

-zᵊn-

adjective

Examples of bison in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, more than 40 other animal tooth pendants — including from European bison and red deer — were discovered inside the same grave. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025

For a full day the wolves tried to approach the bison but when the bison turned to defend itself, the wolves retreated for fear of being injured themselves. —Stan Tekiela, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

What to try: The bison short rib tagliatelle ($32) is perfect for cozying up on chilly nights. —Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025

As for wildlife, watch for wild horses and bison that roam free in the Theodore Roosevelt prairie lands. —Erica Zazo, Outside Online, 9 Jan. 2025

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

Phrases Containing bison

• American bison
• European bison
• plains bison
• wood bison

Rhymes for bison

• seisin
• actinomycin
• adriamycin
• aureomycin
• azithromycin
• clarithromycin
• erythromycin
• bleomycin
• clindamycin
• kanamycin
• lincomycin
• mitomycin

Kids Definition

bison

noun

bi·​son ˈbīs-ᵊn  ˈbīz- 

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