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

After a lifelong obsession with cowboy movies and Wild West culture, he spent 20 years looking for a property where he might help others tap in to that same wonder.

From The Wall Street Journal

Everyone’s got a device in their hand pretty much all the time, aiming their cameras at each other like pistols in a Wild West standoff.

From Los Angeles Times

Appeared in the November 24, 2025, print edition as 'Another Week in the Wild West Bank'.

From The Wall Street Journal

This year has included new chapters from its Wild West.

From The Wall Street Journal

“There are parts of this country that still feel like the Wild West, in a good way,” Wareheim said.

From Los Angeles Times