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

So you never felt like you were in the Wild West doing this passionate thing that felt uncomfortable.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

It reminds me of the old joke about the guy in the Wild West who, before he was hanged for horse stealing, said “This will be a real lesson to me,” mournfully, from the scaffold.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

The prediction markets have spent a lot of energy of late angling to convince people that they are not the complete and total Wild West that they have often appeared to be.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

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

"We've got the best army in the world. Someday, after we've beaten them, we'll visit America, my boy. We'll see that Wild West you like so much!"

From "The Boy Who Dared" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti