water buffalo

noun

: an often domesticated Asian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis synonym Bos bubalis)

Illustration of water buffalo

Illustration of water buffalo

Examples of water 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 main stud for his owner, food vendor and farmer Thawatchai Daeng-Ngam, Tod was one of the competitors Monday at the annual water buffalo racing festival in Chonburi, a city about an hour drive from Bangkok. CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, on the banks, cooking classes sizzle with lemongrass and tamarind—as water buffalo graze lazily beside stilted homes. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025 Catch glimpses of water buffalo and make pitstops at hidden coffee shops with a view, all while pedaling beside one of the most culturally significant industries in the country. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 June 2025 But the details are unique to the area: floorboards and doors made of native hardwoods; wall reliefs depicting agrarian scenes of sugarcane, water buffalo, and folkloric animals. Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for water buffalo

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of water buffalo was in 1827

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Water buffalo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20buffalo. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

water buffalo

noun
: an Asian buffalo that is often domesticated and somewhat resembles a large ox

More from Merriam-Webster on water buffalo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!