Definition

Noun: A member of one of the tribes of American Indians who historically lived a nomadic life, following the buffalo herds across the Great Plains of North America.

Usage

This term is used to refer historically and collectively to the Indigenous peoples of the North American Plains whose culture, economy, and way of life were traditionally centered on the buffalo (American bison).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The museum exhibit detailed the life of the Buffalo Indian, showcasing their skilled horsemanship and deep connection to the bison.
  • Before the near-extinction of the bison, the Buffalo Indian tribes followed the herds for sustenance and materials.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in historical and anthropological contexts to describe a specific cultural and subsistence pattern.
• Modern usage often prefers more specific tribal names (e.g., Lakota, Cheyenne, Comanche) or the collective term "Plains Indians," as "Buffalo Indian" is a broad, descriptive term coined by outsiders.

Variants and Related Words

• Plains Indian (n): A more common modern synonym referring to the Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains.
• Nomadic tribes (n phrase): Describes groups, including these Plains tribes, who moved from place to place.

Synonyms

• Plains Indian
• Nomadic American Indian (of the Plains)

Notes on Usage

• Important Note: While "Buffalo Indian" is a defined term found in historical references and dictionaries like WordNet, it is an external descriptor. When referring to individuals or nations, it is generally more accurate and respectful to use the specific name of the tribe or nation (e.g., Blackfoot, Crow, Sioux) or the collective term "Plains Indians."

Noun

1. a member of one of the tribes of American Indians who lived a nomadic life following the buffalo in the Great Plains of North America