Wild West

American  

noun

1. the western frontier region of the U.S., before the establishment of stable government.

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Wild West British  

noun

1. the western US during its settlement, esp with reference to its frontier lawlessness

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Etymology

Origin of Wild West

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

The trend underscores a Wild West internet landscape that is largely bereft of guardrails as false narratives erode digital trust.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

"It's a bit like the Wild West, people can do as they want," she said.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

The patchwork efforts to identify and safely remove contamination left by the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires has been akin to the Wild West.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026

In the second half of the 19th century, Buffalo Bill Cody turned the Wild West into a global sensation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

There were cheers and whistles, foot-stamping and Wild West whoops.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan