wilding

[ wahyl-ding ]

/ ˈwaɪl dɪŋ /

Save This Word!

noun

a wild apple tree.

its fruit.

any plant that grows wild.

a plant, originally cultivated, that now grows wild; an escape.

a wild animal.

adjective

not cultivated or domesticated; wild.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of wilding

First recorded in 1520–30; wild + -ing³

Words nearby wilding

Wild Hunt, Wild Huntsman, wild hyacinth, wild hydrangea, wild indigo, wilding, wild Irishman, wildish, wildland, wildlands, wild lettuce

Other definitions for wilding (2 of 2)

wilding²

noun

the practice by a group of youths of going on a random spree of violent criminal activity.

an instance of this.

adjective

of or relating to such criminal activity: wilding teens;a wilding attack.

Origin of wilding

First recorded in 1985–90; wild + -ing¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use wilding in a sentence

“The term ‘wilding’ came out of that,” says Zimmer, referring to the attack in Central Park.
Breaking: Trend Stories Are Bullsh*t|Bonnie Bertram|April 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When I was first talking to Shonda Rhimes and Mark Wilding, they brought up Wendy Davis.
Scandal’s Lisa Kudrow on Sexism in Politics (and That Epic Rant)|Kevin Fallon|November 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST
How do you approach turning your novel The Wilding into a screenplay?
Benjamin Percy: How I Write|Noah Charney|June 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Still shackled, with his trousers in shreds and radiating off-kilter aggression, Phoenix immediately begins wilding out.
The Return of Joaquin Phoenix: Oscar Buzz for ‘The Master’|Chris Lee|September 17, 2012|DAILY BEAST

“Wilding,” a uniformed officer posted in a radio car near the corner of North Michigan and Chicago avenues said this week.
Chicago Gangs Go ‘Wilding’ Amid Rising Gun Violence in Obama’s Hometown|Michael Daly|August 31, 2012|DAILY BEAST
An elegant gentleman was Mr. Wilding, tall, and seeming even taller by virtue of his exceeding slenderness.
Mistress Wilding|Rafael Sabatini
Had Mr. Wilding been other than she now learnt he was, he would surely not cherish an attachment for a person so utterly unworthy.
Mistress Wilding|Rafael Sabatini
But it seemed clear that it was connected with the Monmouth Cause, and it behoved Mr. Wilding to discover what he could.
Mistress Wilding|Rafael Sabatini
Mr. Wilding set down at last the glass which he had continued to hold until that moment.
Mistress Wilding|Rafael Sabatini
Wilding proceeded thus of purpose set, and under the calm mask of his long white face his mind worked wickedly and deliberately.
Mistress Wilding|Rafael Sabatini

British Dictionary definitions for wilding (1 of 2)

wilding

/ (ˈwaɪldɪŋ) /

noun

an uncultivated plant, esp the crab apple, or a cultivated plant that has become wild

a wild animal

Also: wildling

British Dictionary definitions for wilding (2 of 2)

Wilding

/ (ˈwaɪldɪŋ) /

noun

(Frederick) Anthony . 1883–1915, New Zealand tennis player; Wimbledon singles champion (1910–1913) and doubles champion (1907–08, 1910, 1913)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012