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

He has turned more than half his farm over to a wildlife reserve where ostriches, deer and giant rodents called capybaras roam, and on the remainder practices sustainable farming.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A deer had recently been killed and eaten.

Read more on Literature

When instructed to cook a meal “fit for a king,” Yeon turns to venison because deer had symbolized kings, and the tongue is seen a rare delicacy only he has the privilege to enjoy.

Read more on Salon

But it turns out the Golden State’s regrowing wolf packs are not merely content to feed on their traditional prey of elk and deer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Consider the FBI under the manifestly incompetent leadership of current director Kash Patel, whose perennially startled demeanor gives actual deer caught in actual headlights a bad name.

Read more on Salon