Many people search for buffaloes or buffalos because both plural spellings appear in books, academic writing, and online content. As a result, students, writers, ESL learners, and content creators often feel confused about which form is correct.
The word buffalo refers to a large, horned animal, but its plural form has two accepted versions. While some dictionaries and style guides prefer buffaloes, others also accept buffalos, depending on writing style and regional usage.
In this article, we will clear the confusion by explaining clear grammar rules, providing real-world examples, comparing British vs American English usage, and sharing expert advice. By the end, you will confidently know when to use buffaloes or buffalos in any context.
Buffaloes or Buffalos – Quick Answer
Both buffaloes and buffalos are correct✅
Buffaloes is preferred in British English and formal writing✅
Buffalos is accepted in American English but less common✅
Examples:
- British English: The buffaloes roamed the savannah.
- American English: The buffalos were seen near the river.
Simple rule:
Use buffaloes for formal, professional, or British audiences. Use buffalos mainly for informal American writing.
The Origin of Buffaloes or Buffalos
The word buffalo entered English from the Portuguese word búfalo, which came from the Latin bubalus, referring to an African antelope. Over time, English speakers adopted the word for large, horned mammals in Africa, Asia, and later North America.
The pluralization of buffalo followed typical English patterns:
- Regular plural: buffaloes
- Simplified plural: buffalos
Both forms emerged naturally. Writers in the 18th and 19th centuries used buffaloes in books, while newspapers sometimes used buffalos for simplicity. Today, buffaloes are more common worldwide.
British English vs American English Spelling
British and American English accept both forms, but usage differs slightly.
| Feature | British English | American English |
| Correct plural | buffaloes | buffaloes / buffalos |
| Preference | buffaloes | buffalos (informal), buffaloes (formal) |
| Dictionaries | Oxford: buffaloes | Merriam-Webster: both |
| Formal writing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Informal writing | ✅ | ✅ |
Key point:
The difference is mainly regional and stylistic; both forms are grammatically correct.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your choice depends on audience and style:
🇬🇧 UK / Commonwealth
- Use buffaloes consistently.
- Example: The buffaloes grazed near the river.
🇺🇸 US Audience
- Use buffalos in casual writing.
- Use buffaloes in scientific, academic, or formal writing.
- Example: Several buffalos were spotted in Yellowstone.
- Example (formal): The herd of buffaloes migrated seasonally.
🌍 Global English
- Choose one spelling and stay consistent.
- For international publications, buffaloes are safer.
Tip: If you are unsure, default to buffaloes for professionalism.
Common Mistakes with Buffaloes or Buffalos
1. Mixing plural forms
❌ The buffalos and buffaloes were photographed.
✅ The buffaloes were photographed.
2. Assuming one form is wrong
❌ Buffalos is incorrect
✅ Both forms are correct; context matters.
3. Using plural for singular
❌ Buffaloes is grazing.
✅ The buffalo is grazing.
4. Confusing American informal vs formal usage
❌ The research paper mentions buffalos
✅ The research paper mentions buffaloes
5. Using plural inappropriately with numbers
❌ Two buffaloses
✅ Two buffaloes (or two buffalos in US informal writing)
Buffaloes or Buffalos in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Please include the buffaloes in the wildlife report.
- The ranch has several buffalos.
News
- Photographers captured a herd of buffaloes in India.
- American parks reported sightings of buffalos near the river.
Social Media
- Look at these majestic buffaloes!
- We spotted some buffalos on our road trip.
Formal Writing
- The ecological study focused on buffaloes in Asia.
- Population trends of buffaloes were analyzed.
Scientific Writing
- Bubalus bubalis, the domestic water buffalo, is commonly farmed.
- African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are abundant in savannahs.
Buffaloes or Buffalos – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that people frequently check buffaloes or buffalos to clarify plural spelling.
Why people search:
- ESL learners unsure about plural forms
- Writers checking professional spelling
- Bloggers and content creators writing about wildlife
- Students working on reports
Popular regions:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- India
- Australia
- Canada
Insight:
- Buffaloes dominate searches globally.
- Buffalos is seen mainly in US informal contexts.
Comparison Table: Buffaloes vs Buffalos
| Feature | Buffaloes | Buffalos |
| Correct English | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| British English | Preferred | Rare |
| American English | Formal writing | Informal writing |
| Scientific writing | ✅ | Rarely |
| Casual writing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dictionaries | ✔️ Oxford | ✔️ Merriam-Webster |
| Usage frequency | High | Moderate |
FAQs
1. Is buffalos correct?
Yes. Buffalos is acceptable, especially in US informal writing, but buffaloes is preferred globally.
2. Which plural is British English?
Buffaloes are preferred in the UK.
3. Which plural is American English?
Both are accepted, but buffalos is more common in casual writing.
4. Can I use both in the same article?
No. Pick one form for consistency.
5. Are buffaloes more formal than buffalos?
Yes, especially in scientific and academic writing.
6. How do I remember the correct spelling?
Think: double e in buffaloes = formal and safe.
7. Are there regional differences for wild vs domestic buffalo?
Yes. Africa and Asia often refer to wild buffaloes, while North American informal writing may use buffalos.
Conclusion
You can write the plural of buffalo as buffaloes or buffalos, depending on your audience and style.
If you want, I can also make a punchier, more engaging version for readers.
Do you want me to do that?Buffaloes is preferred in British English, formal writing, and international content, while buffalos works in casual American English.
For blogs, news articles, academic papers, or professional communication, sticking with buffaloes keeps your writing consistent and polished. Using the right form shows attention to detail and makes your work look professional.
Quick Guide:
- British / Formal Writing → buffaloes
- Casual American Writing → buffalos
Read More:
Raccoon vs Racoon: Common Mistake and Correct Usage
Savoury or Savory? British vs American Spelling Explained (2026)
Hi, I’m Ethan Hawkesley. I love writing and exploring the English language. On Thinkoora.com, I share tips, insights, and explanations to help readers understand words and writing more easily.
