Search Dictionary
Definition of american bison

american bison

Plural:American bison
JUMP TO:

american bison Lexical Profile

• noun

1

North American A large, heavily built bovine mammal native to North America, characterized by a shaggy, dark brown winter coat, a massive head, and a prominent shoulder hump.

Example

"Millions of American bison once roamed the Great Plains in massive herds before overhunting nearly drove the species to extinction in the late 19th century."

Word Nuance & Usage

Though commonly referred to as a 'buffalo' in colloquial North American English, the American bison is anatomically distinct from true buffalo species found in Africa and Asia.

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'American' and 'bison'. 'Bison' comes from the Latin 'bison' (wild ox), which was borrowed from a Germanic or Baltic source.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of American bison. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/american bison
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.