caribou
1 synonym for caribou, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large North American deer related to the reindeer, known for its long migrations.
How to use caribou
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
caribou herd
caribou migration
Etymology
Borrowed from Canadian French caribou, from the Mi'kmaq word qalipu, meaning roughly "the one that shovels (snow)" — a nod to how the animal paws through snow to reach food.
Full origin of caribou →Frequently asked questions
What does “caribou” mean?
The word “caribou” means a large North American deer related to the reindeer, known for its long migrations. In plain terms, a type of large deer native to Arctic and subarctic North America; the same species as the Eurasian reindeer.
How do you pronounce “caribou”?
“Caribou” is pronounced KA-rih-boo (/ˈkæɹəbu/ in IPA).
How do you use “caribou” in a sentence?
Here is “caribou” used in a sentence: “Herds of caribou migrate hundreds of miles each year across the tundra.”
What part of speech is “caribou”?
“Caribou” is a noun.
Where does the word “caribou” come from?
The word “caribou” comes from French. Borrowed from Canadian French caribou, from the Mi'kmaq word qalipu, meaning roughly "the one that shovels (snow)" — a nod to how the animal paws through snow to reach food.
Is “caribou” a common word?
“Caribou” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Related words
Caribou County
