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 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

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

Her colleague added: “It is clear that Wild West methods must be rejected.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

I entered the World’s Fair through the side entrance across the street from the Wild West Show.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros