deer

[deer]

noun

plural

deer ,

plural

deers .

1. any of several ruminants of the family Cervidae, most of the males of which have solid, deciduous antlers.

2. any of the smaller species of this family, as distinguished from the moose, elk, etc.

deer

/ dɪə /

noun

1. any ruminant artiodactyl mammal of the family Cervidae, including reindeer, elk, muntjacs, and roe deer, typically having antlers in the male

2. (in N Canada) another name for caribou

Word History and Origins

Origin of deer¹

before 900; Middle English der, Old English dēor beast; akin to Gothic dius beast, Old High German tior

Word History and Origins

Origin of deer¹

Old English dēor beast; related to Old High German tior wild beast, Old Norse dӯr

Example Sentences

Cultivating a large garden, too, was difficult work—stooping over long rows of peas or collard greens, or keeping the rabbits or deer from eating your food.

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However, other protestors pointed to the environmental impact of losing the park as deer, hedgehogs, frogs and other animals are often spotted on the land.

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In one case, human footprints appear alongside deer tracks created at the same time, supporting the idea of pursuit or ambush activity within the dune environment.

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A major issue is the expanding bear population, which is growing fast due to an abundance of food -- including acorns, deer and boars -- under the influence of a warming climate, experts say.

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As fish became harder to find, bears were forced to eat nuts and berries, and that forced the deer and the hares and the squirrels to find other sources of food.

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