wildlife

noun

wild·​life ˈwī(-ə)l(d)-ˌlīf How to pronounce wildlife (audio)
often attributive
: living things and especially mammals, birds, and fishes that are neither human nor domesticated

Examples of wildlife in a Sentence

an area with abundant wildlife
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, wildlife officials believe the presence of a larger male bear in the area prompted them to stay away. — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 Following the second attack, the Maryland Park Service closed the Houck Day Use Area, the adjacent boat ramp and Big Hunting Creek above the lake while wildlife officials investigated the incidents. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Bear sightings have been on the rise this summer, which wildlife officials attribute to severe drought conditions that are limiting bears' food sources, forcing them to forage in populated areas. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 Conservationists and some state officials contend the move is a pretext for commercial development that will harm wildlife habitats and water quality. — Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wildlife

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wildlife was in 1879

Rhymes for wildlife

See All Rhymes for wildlife

Browse Nearby Words

wild licorice
wildlife
wild lilac
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wildlife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wildlife. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wildlife

noun
wild·​life ˈwī(ə)l-ˌ(d)līf How to pronounce wildlife (audio)
: nonhuman living things and especially wild animals living in their natural environment

More from Merriam-Webster on wildlife

Nglish: Translation of wildlife for Spanish Speakers

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