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.
Guests can try their hand at rice planting or bathing the resident water buffalo (a pampered pink-and-black pair). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 June 2026 For a young man who had scarcely left Utah in his youth, every corner seemed to be a revelation, of water buffalo shimmering from mud baths and children running down dirt roads. — ABC News, 10 June 2026 His love of animals and the outdoors led him to purchase five water buffalo to begin a cheese-making business, offering tours to curious visitors. — John Ramos, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 Guests were served meals over several days, dancers in bright headdresses performed for the crowd, and water buffalo – the most valuable gift a family can give – were led into the courtyard for sacrifice. — Claire White, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026 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

Rhymes for water buffalo

See All Rhymes for water buffalo

Browse Nearby Words

waterbuck
water buffalo
water bug
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Cite this Entry

“Water buffalo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/water%20buffalo. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of water buffalo for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about water buffalo

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