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Synonyms

wildlife

American  
[wahyld-lahyf] / ˈwaɪldˌlaɪf /

noun

  1. undomesticated animals living in the wild, including those hunted for food, sport, or profit.


adjective

  1. of, for, or abounding in wildlife.

    a wildlife preserve.

wildlife British  
/ ˈwaɪldˌlaɪf /

noun

  1. wild animals and plants collectively

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of wildlife

First recorded in 1930–35; wild + life

Explanation

Animals that aren't tamed or domesticated are collectively known as wildlife. One of the things people love about visiting the Galapagos Islands is seeing all the unusual wildlife. All of the wild animals that live in a particular area (and sometimes the plants as well) fall under the category of wildlife. If you're dedicated to protecting wildlife, it means you care about keeping native animals from being harmed by humans. A wildlife refuge or sanctuary is a place where animals can roam without being hunted, and native plants grow freely.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing wildlife

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Many of the rivers are found in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire - with the region's wildlife trust throwing its support behind the new group.

From BBC Jul. 24, 2026

"That was the moment I realised somebody had to do something," said the wildlife biologist, who never dreamt of a career revolving around the sea.

From Barron's Jul. 23, 2026

Before I relocated to the Pacific Northwest, I had only seen whales and other wildlife common to this region on TV.

From Salon Jul. 22, 2026

Surfside Beach has had its share of fierce debates, including over a budget-busting pier replacement and a new ban on feeding wildlife.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 21, 2026

Their application to wildlife in the field is anything but precise.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

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