Buffalo Soldier Pronunciation: /ˈbʌf.ə.loʊ ˈsoʊl.dʒər/ (BUF-uh-loh SOHL-jər)
Definition: A nickname given by Native Americans to Black soldiers who served in the segregated 9th and 10th Cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army after the Civil War (starting in 1866). The term “Buffalo Soldier” is thought to refer either to the soldiers’ hair, which was said to resemble the fur of a buffalo, or to their fierce bravery in battle. Buffalo Soldiers played key roles in the westward expansion of the United States, including protecting settlers, building infrastructure, and participating in conflicts with various Indigenous groups.
Example: Buffalo Soldiers, so named by Native American tribes, are remembered for their courage and contributions to the development of the American West.