Cape buffalo

noun

: the large reddish-brown to black wild buffalo (Syncerus caffer) of sub-Saharan Africa

called also African buffalo

Examples of Cape buffalo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Cape buffalo is notorious for being one of Africa's most dangerous game animals, killing around 200 people in southern Africa a year, according to wildlife tourism site Kenya Wild Parks. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025 Cape buffalo are the largest wild bovine on the continent. Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Cape of Good Hope, Africa

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Cape buffalo was in 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cape buffalo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cape%20buffalo. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

Cape buffalo

noun
: a large wild buffalo of Africa south of the Sahara

More from Merriam-Webster on Cape buffalo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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