plural caribou or caribous
: a large type of deer that lives in northern parts of the world
a herd of caribou
Note: The word caribou is used especially to refer to these animals when they live in North America. The word reindeer is used for these animals when they live in other parts of the world.
Cite this Entry
“Caribou.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/caribou. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
