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

The baby bison's name was inspired by a sight captured by those who watch after the animals. — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 29 June 2026

Harrison said the fence was necessary to keep his small bison herd on the ranch and to keep out trespassers. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 28 June 2026

As Aang sets out to rescue his majestic sky bison Appa and his Team Avatar friends, he’s joined by a surprise ally as Zuko’s uncle Iroh learns his nephew is trapped underground too. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Park goers are advised to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals -- including bison, as well as elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes -- and at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 June 2026

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