caribou: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Scientific, Regional
Quick answer
What does “caribou” mean?
A large North American reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) with large antlers in both sexes, living in tundra and northern forests.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large North American reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) with large antlers in both sexes, living in tundra and northern forests.
The term can refer to the species generally, but also specifically to North American populations of reindeer (with Eurasian populations typically called 'reindeer'); can symbolize wilderness, cold climates, indigenous cultures of northern North America, or migratory patterns.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is used identically in meaning. More likely to appear in British English in documentaries or geographical texts about North America. In American English, it's the standard term for the North American animal.
Connotations
In both varieties: wilderness, the Arctic/sub-Arctic, Canada/Alaska, indigenous peoples. In American English, may have stronger associations with specific regions (e.g., Canadian provinces, Alaska).
Frequency
Higher frequency in American and Canadian English due to the animal's native range. In British English, 'reindeer' is far more common as a general referent.
Grammar
How to Use “caribou” in a Sentence
The caribou migrates/v migrates.They observed the caribou/v observed the caribou.The herd of caribou/v of caribou.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “caribou” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The caribou herd was immense.
- They studied caribou migration patterns.
American English
- The caribou population is declining.
- We saw caribou tracks in the snow.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism (e.g., 'caribou watching tours'), outdoor apparel branding, or food industry (specialty meats).
Academic
Common in biology, zoology, ecology, geography, anthropology, and conservation studies.
Everyday
Low frequency. Used when discussing wildlife, North American geography, documentaries, or Christmas contexts (as a type of reindeer).
Technical
Used in wildlife management, taxonomy, environmental impact assessments, and climatology studying Arctic ecosystems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “caribou”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “caribou”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caribou”
- Using 'caribou' as a plural form (it is both singular and plural: one caribou, many caribou). Incorrect: 'caribous'.
- Confusing 'caribou' with 'elk' (moose) or 'deer'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, biologically they are the same species (Rangifer tarandus). 'Caribou' typically refers to wild populations in North America, while 'reindeer' often refers to Eurasian populations and domesticated animals.
Caribou. The word is the same in both singular and plural forms (e.g., one caribou, a herd of caribou). 'Caribous' is incorrect.
In the wild, caribou are found in Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. They inhabit tundra, boreal forests, and mountainous regions.
They are a keystone species in northern ecosystems, influencing vegetation and providing a crucial food source for predators and humans. They also have deep cultural significance for many Indigenous peoples.
A large North American reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) with large antlers in both sexes, living in tundra and northern forests.
Caribou is usually formal, scientific, regional in register.
Caribou: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkær.ɪ.buː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈker.ə.buː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) sure as caribou migrate (rare, regional)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Caribou CAn Ride In BOUncy snow - linking its Arctic habitat and movement.
Conceptual Metaphor
CARIBOU ARE MIGRATORY TRAVELERS (representing long journeys, endurance, following ancient paths).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary geographical association of the word 'caribou'?