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

For thousands of years, Native Americans relied on bison for physical and cultural survival.

From Salon

It is no coincidence that the rise of an extensive and powerful American beef industry coincided with the near-elimination of bison across the United States.

From Salon

Bison populations were already in steep decline by the mid-1800s, but after the Civil War, as industrialization transformed transportation, communication and mass production, the U.S.

From Salon