wilderness

noun

wil·​der·​ness ˈwil-dər-nəs 

1

a(1)

: a tract or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings

(2)

: an area essentially undisturbed by human activity together with its naturally developed life community

b

: an empty or pathless area or region

… in remote wildernesses of space groups of nebulae are found …

—George W. Gray †1960

c

: a part of a garden devoted to wild growth

2

obsolete : wild or uncultivated state

3

a

: a confusing multitude or mass : an indefinitely great number or quantity

… I would not have given it for a wilderness of monkeys.

—William Shakespeare

b

: a bewildering situation

… those moral wildernesses of civilized life …

—Norman Mailer

Synonyms of wilderness

• wild
• desert
• country
• outdoors

Examples of wilderness in a Sentence

She enjoys hikes through the wilderness.

released the wolf back into the wilderness

Recent Examples on the Web

The National Park Service warns that recreation in the high Sierra can come with rapidly changing weather, high elevation and rugged terrain, and advises visitors to plan for potential hazards before heading into the wilderness. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Take your time meandering through the wilderness and soaking up the views from the observation deck near Corlieu Falls. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026

For a wilderness experience (but in a cabin), book a spot at Gunflint Lodge, one of our top picks for Midwest lake resorts. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 Aug. 2026

His canine companion is Odin (played by a pooch named Uber), who rescues James after their crash and embarks on a journey of survival in the wilderness. — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from wildern wild, from Old English wilddēoren of wild beasts

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing wilderness

• wilderness area

Kids Definition

wilderness

noun

wil·​der·​ness ˈwil-dər-nəs 

: an area in which few people live that is not used for farming and is more or less in its natural state