Plural of Buffalo
Current dictionary evidence records more than one plural of “buffalo.” Cambridge gives “buffaloes” or unchanged “buffalo”; Merriam-Webster additionally records “buffalos.” Use an accepted form consistently and avoid inventing regional or formality rules that the cited sources do not establish.
“Buffalo” has several recorded plurals: “buffalo” and “buffaloes,” with Merriam-Webster also recording “buffalos.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one animal | buffalo | Singular. |
| more than one | buffalo | Accepted unchanged plural. |
| more than one | buffaloes | Accepted plural. |
| more than one | buffalos | Also recorded by Merriam-Webster. |
Quick tests
Plural-choice test
Are you referring to more than one buffalo?
If yes: Choose a recorded plural form and use it consistently.
If no: Use singular “buffalo.”
Caveat: The cited dictionaries differ slightly in the inventory they foreground; preserve that source boundary rather than inventing a hierarchy.
Examples
A herd of buffalo crossed the plain.
The unchanged plural is accepted.
Several buffaloes stood near the water.
“Buffaloes” is accepted.
The dictionary also records buffalos as a plural.
“Buffalos” is a documented variant.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “buffalo,” “buffaloes,” or “buffalos” as supported plural forms.
Fast Test
If a document already uses one accepted plural, keep it consistent; otherwise any form supported for your variety/style can be chosen.
Usage Boundary
Do not claim that only one of the recorded plural forms is correct without a separate style authority.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- BUFFALO | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge records buffaloes and invariant buffalo as accepted plurals.
- BUFFALO Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster (opens in a new tab)Merriam-Webster · Merriam-Webster records buffalo, buffaloes, and also buffalos as plural forms.