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

The field of poppies is dazzling; the additional deer, ants and rodents skittering across the golden sidewalk are simply strange.

From Los Angeles Times

A red deer stag bellows during the autumn rut at Bradgate Park, as captured by Miss Smart from a safe distance.

From BBC

"So far, we have learnt that the people of Keeladi were involved in agriculture, trade and cattle-rearing. They kept deer, goats and wild pigs and ate lots of rice and millets," says Prof Kumaresan.

From BBC

Her partner, Art Linfoot, built the house they lost, a cabin with a wraparound porch and a year-round brook where deer drank and the sound of the water lulled the couple to sleep.

From Los Angeles Times

On her right forearm, the Pazyryk woman had an image of leopards around the head of a deer.

From BBC