Definition

Noun: 1. A large, shaggy-haired, brown bison native to the North American plains: This term refers specifically to the species Bison bison, a massive, hump-shouldered bovine mammal historically roaming the grasslands of North America. It is characterized by its dark brown, woolly coat and distinctive beard and mane.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The American buffalo once roamed the continent in herds numbering in the millions.
  • Conservation efforts have helped the American buffalo population recover from near extinction.
  • We saw a herd of American buffalo grazing in the national park.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural and Historical Significance: The term "American buffalo" is deeply intertwined with the history and culture of Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains, for whom the animal was a vital source of food, shelter, and materials.
  • The American buffalo was central to the way of life for many Plains Indian tribes.

Variants and Related Words

• Bison: This is the more scientifically precise term for the same animal (). "American buffalo" and "bison" are often used interchangeably in general English, though "bison" is preferred in scientific and formal contexts.
  • The bison is the national mammal of the United States.
• Buffalo: In a North American context, "buffalo" is commonly used as a shortened form of "American buffalo." Note that true buffalo species (like the water buffalo or African cape buffalo) are native to Asia and Africa.
  • The nickel features a profile of a buffalo.

Synonyms

• Bison: The primary scientific and formal synonym.
• Plains bison: A more specific term denoting the subspecies that inhabited the grasslands.

Notes on Meaning

• Technical vs. Common Name: While widely called the "American buffalo," zoologists emphasize it is not a true buffalo but a bison. The common name persists due to historical usage.
• Symbolism: The American buffalo is a powerful symbol of the American West, representing strength, resilience, and a wild heritage.

Noun

1. large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains