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

Next is bison, particularly chislic, invented in South Dakota. —Amanda Cappelli, CBS News, 28 Nov. 2024

Its menu centers Native foods from Native producers, whether bison from out west or spruce tips and other ingredients foraged on Mooningwanekaaning, as Madeline Island was originally known. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 20 Nov. 2024

Elk, bison, moose, mule deer and pronghorn call the Kelly Parcel home. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024

Messages about being safe and keeping your distance from bears, bison, and other wildlife, but also about trip planning. —Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Nov. 2024

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

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