wildlife

American  

[wahyld-lahyf] / ˈwaɪldˌlaɪf /

noun

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

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adjective

1. of, for, or abounding in wildlife.

   a wildlife preserve.

wildlife British  

/ ˈwaɪldˌlaɪf /

noun

1. wild animals and plants collectively

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

wildlife

The Summerfield Charitable Trust said the money would help groups buy and safeguard local woodlands and wildlife sites when they come up for sale.

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026

There could even be implications for wildlife conservation.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026

“Healthy forests also provide critical wildlife habitat and protect scenic quality.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

My errand took me past a railing that overlooks a large canal where wildlife often visits.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

That country has so many political and economic problems that it is almost impossible for the officials to enforce any of the wildlife laws and regulations.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall

Related Words

• body
• existence
• growth
• living
• man
• person
• soul
• survival
• woman