wildlife

noun

wild·​life ˈwī(-ə)l(d)-ˌlīf How to pronounce wildlife (audio)
often attributive
: living things and especially mammals, birds, and fishes that are neither human nor domesticated

Examples of wildlife in a Sentence

an area with abundant wildlife
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Relocate Leaf Litter and Wood Piles Leaf litter, wood piles, and other yard debris offer shelter not only to pests but also to beneficial insects and wildlife. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026 Instead contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance. — Katie Koschalk, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026 In an update this week, the wildlife rescue said the turtle had died. — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 For decades, the family has treated its fields as part farmland and part wildlife habitat. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wildlife

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wildlife was in 1879

Rhymes for wildlife

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Browse Nearby Words

wild licorice
wildlife
wild lilac
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Cite this Entry

“Wildlife.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wildlife. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wildlife

noun
wild·​life ˈwī(ə)l-ˌ(d)līf How to pronounce wildlife (audio)
: nonhuman living things and especially wild animals living in their natural environment
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