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

Part of the Greater Yellowstone area, Jackson Hole is an appealing place to go on a wildlife tour to try to spot bears, bison, and elk and learn about the local habitats. —Jamie Davis Smith, AFAR Media, 19 Feb. 2025

The 10 or so wolves entered the river and started pulling on the bison. —Stan Tekiela, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Stay at least 75 feet away from bison at all times. —Brooke Baitinger, Idaho Statesman, 4 Feb. 2025

For another onsite dining option, wander to Madeline’s high-end Timber Room for tater tots covered with caviar, Alpine fondue, wagyu strip loin and a 32-ounce bison tomahawk steak. —Linnea Covington, Forbes, 7 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