Wild West

American  

noun

1. the western frontier region of the U.S., before the establishment of stable government.

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Wild West British  

noun

1. the western US during its settlement, esp with reference to its frontier lawlessness

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Etymology

Origin of Wild West

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Wild West

After the Eaton fire, “it was the Wild West, trying to scramble to find answers,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

Murdoch even owned the Dodgers for a stretch to corner the market on what was then a Wild West shoot-out among TV programmers to launch cable channels.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

He was seen as a living embodiment of a sport that has become a Wild West of free-flowing cash, rampant opportunism and nonexistent loyalty.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

“I don’t expect it to be the Wild West of AI.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

We would attend the afternoon show, usually featuring films about the Wild West and gladiators.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane