What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
yak
Example
The yak is an important animal for the people living in the Himalayas. [yak: noun]
Example
We rode yaks to cross the mountain pass. [yaks: plural noun]
bison
Example
The bison population was decimated by hunting in the 19th century. [bison: noun]
Example
We saw a herd of bison grazing in the prairie. [bison: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bison is more commonly used than yak in everyday language. Bison is a well-known animal in North America and has cultural significance in American culture, while yak is less common and may be unfamiliar to many people outside of the Himalayan region.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between yak and bison?
Both yak and bison are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, bison may be slightly more formal due to its use in scientific and academic contexts.