rewilding

American  

[ree-wahyl-ding] / riˈwaɪl dɪŋ /

noun

1. the process of introducing animals or plants to their original habitat or one similar.

2. the process of returning land to an earlier, more natural state.

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rewilding British  

/ riːˈwaɪldɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of returning areas of land to a wild state, including the reintroduction of animal species that are no longer naturally found there

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Etymology

Origin of rewilding

First recorded in 1990–95; rewild ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

For a decade, researchers have been working to reintroduce 12 other endemic species to Floreana as part of a rewilding program.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

However, in recent years rewilding projects have been reintroducing beavers to several parts of England and Scotland.

From BBC • Nov. 2, 2025

Since Paris restricted the use of pesticides during the 2010s, an extraordinary rewilding has taken place in the cemetery.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

Organizations like The Black Swamp Conservancy and H2Ohio, which is run by the state, are purchasing tracts of farmland near freshwater bodies and rewilding these places.

From Salon • Aug. 16, 2025

The Wildlife Trusts suggests you can help declining populations by mowing your lawn less often, supporting local rewilding projects and creating ponds.

From BBC • Jul. 25, 2025