buffalo

word

/ˈbəfəˌɫoʊ/
BUH-fuh-loh
/bˈʌfəlˌəʊ/
BUH-fuh-loh

Definition

A buffalo is a large, heavy animal with a strong body and horns. In English, the word can refer to different animals, especially the water buffalo in Asia and the American buffalo, which is actually a bison.

Usage & Nuances

In everyday English, 'buffalo' is most often an animal word. Be careful: in American usage, 'buffalo' often refers to the animal that is technically a 'bison'. Common combinations include 'water buffalo', 'buffalo herd', and 'buffalo meat'.

Example Sentences

We saw a buffalo near the river.

basic

The farmer has a buffalo on his land.

basic

A buffalo is bigger than a cow.

basic

Is that a buffalo, or is it actually a bison?

natural

I didn't expect to see a buffalo that close to the road.

natural

That documentary showed a whole buffalo herd moving across the plains.

natural