bison

[ bahy-suhn, -zuhn ]

noun

, plural bi·son.

1. Also called American bison, American buffalo. a North American, oxlike ruminant, Bison bison, having a large head and high, humped shoulders: formerly common in North America, its small remaining population in isolated western areas of the U.S. and Canada is now protected.
2. Also called wisent. a related animal, Bison bonasus, of Europe, less shaggy and slightly larger than the American bison: now greatly reduced in number.

bison

/ ˈbaɪsən /

noun

1. Also calledAmerican bisonbuffalo a member of the cattle tribe, Bison bison , formerly widely distributed over the prairies of W North America but now confined to reserves and parks, with a massive head, shaggy forequarters, and a humped back
2. Also calledwisentEuropean bison a closely related and similar animal, Bison bonasus , formerly widespread in Europe

Other Words From

• bi·son·tine [bahy, -s, uh, n-tahyn, -z, uh, n-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bison¹

1350–1400; Middle English bisontes (plural) < Latin (nominative singular bisōn ) < Germanic; compare Old High German wisunt, Old English wesend, Old Norse visundr

Word History and Origins

Origin of bison¹

C14: from Latin bisōn , of Germanic origin; related to Old English wesand , Old Norse vīsundr

Example Sentences

There are cave paintings in France depicting bison, other animals and humans from this time, called the Upper Paleolithic Era.

From Salon

The desire for cattle-supporting land played an integral role in the systematic decimation of bison populations, as well.

From Salon

Construction has begun on a network of “bison bridges” in Kent, which will give people aerial views of the country’s first wild bison herd in thousands of years.

From BBC

In addition to the lethal pools, bison, bears and elk have all killed park visitors, according to the pledge.

From Los Angeles Times

She recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where she was feted at a ceremony at which she accepted a bronze bison statue.

From Los Angeles Times