american buffalo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, but most common in biological, historical, geographical, and conservation registers.
Quick answer
What does “american buffalo” mean?
A large, shaggy-haired, hump-shouldered bovine (Bison bison) native to North America, often incorrectly called a buffalo but genetically distinct from true buffalo.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large, shaggy-haired, hump-shouldered bovine (Bison bison) native to North America, often incorrectly called a buffalo but genetically distinct from true buffalo.
A symbol of the American West, its wildlife heritage, and past ecological abundance; also used to refer to the animal itself in wildlife, historical, and conservation contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties, but it is far more frequent in American English due to the animal's cultural and historical significance in North America. In the UK, the term is primarily encountered in educational or documentary contexts.
Connotations
In American English, it carries strong connotations of national history, the frontier, and conservation efforts. In British English, it is more neutral, simply denoting an exotic large mammal.
Frequency
Much more common in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “american buffalo” in a Sentence
The [adjective] American buffalo [verb] across the plain.We saw an American buffalo [prepositional phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american buffalo” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- 'To buffalo' someone means to confuse or intimidate them, but this is not directly derived from the animal 'American buffalo'.
adjective
American English
- He wore a classic American buffalo hide coat.
- The coin featured an American buffalo design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in names of companies or brands (e.g., Buffalo Wild Wings) evoking a Western theme.
Academic
Used in biology, ecology, history, and anthropology texts discussing North American fauna or 19th-century westward expansion.
Everyday
Used when talking about wildlife, trips to national parks, or US history.
Technical
In zoology, 'American bison' is the precise term. 'Buffalo' is considered a misnomer but entrenched in common usage.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american buffalo”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american buffalo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american buffalo”
- Using 'buffalo' alone in a global context where true buffalo species exist, causing confusion. Writing 'buffalos' as the plural (preferred plural is 'buffalo' or 'buffaloes', though 'buffalo' is common for the animal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern usage 'American buffalo' refers to the animal scientifically known as Bison bison. However, 'American bison' is the more precise term, as 'buffalo' correctly refers to different species in Asia and Africa.
Yes, they are wild, powerful animals and can be very dangerous if approached. They are responsible for more injuries in US national parks than bears. They should always be observed from a safe distance.
Primarily in protected areas like national parks and wildlife refuges in the United States and Canada, such as Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
In the 19th century, they were hunted commercially for hides and meat, and also as part of US government policy to subdue Native American tribes whose cultures and survival were tied to the buffalo herds.
A large, shaggy-haired, hump-shouldered bovine (Bison bison) native to North America, often incorrectly called a buffalo but genetically distinct from true buffalo.
American buffalo is usually neutral, but most common in biological, historical, geographical, and conservation registers. in register.
American buffalo: in British English it is pronounced /əˈmer.ɪ.kən ˈbʌf.ə.ləʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmɛr.ə.kən ˈbʌf.əˌloʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Where the buffalo roam (from song lyric)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: The American Buffalo isn't a true BUFFALO; it's a BISON with a BIG hump on its back, roaming the plains of the BIG country, America.
Conceptual Metaphor
SYMBOL OF ABUNDANCE AND LOSS (once numbered in the millions, then nearly driven to extinction). SYMBOL OF WILD FREEDOM (associated with open plains).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason 'American buffalo' is considered a biologically imprecise term?