fauna

noun

fau·​na ˈfȯ-nə 

ˈfä-

plural faunas also faunae ˈfȯ-ˌnē  -ˌnī 

ˈfä-

: animal life

especially : the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment

the diverse fauna of the island

compare flora

faunal

ˈfȯ-nᵊl 

ˈfä-

adjective

faunally adverb

Did you know?

Faunus and Fauna were the Roman woodland god and goddess for whom animals were a particular concern. Faunus was the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Pan, and like Pan, he had goats' legs. Their goat-legged helpers, called fauns, were known for their love of pleasure and mischief. The fauna of a continent are often very similar across a broad east-west band; from north to south, however, they may vary greatly.

Examples of fauna in a Sentence

studying the diverse fauna of the island

studying the faunas of different islands

Recent Examples on the Web

Representations of fauna include horses, deer, wild oxen, and at least one bear, though identification is difficult due to the limited depiction of details such as eyes, nostrils, hooves, manes, and coats. — News Desk, Artforum, 6 Nov. 2026

The lush green landscape surrounding the property honors the local flora and fauna, including oak, pine, and eucalyptus trees, while providing shade and fragrant air. — Kasia Dietz, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026

Black Water Creek presents an opportunity to paddle into wild, untouched Florida with plenty of flora and fauna to see. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

The centuries-old earthenware is known for its perfectly imperfect glaze and depictions of flora and fauna in a signature cobalt blue. — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Fauna, sister of Faunus

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fauna

• ana
• bwana
• dhyana
• donna
• gonna
• jnana
• mana
• sauna
• tswana
• wanna
• asana
• chicana

Kids Definition

fauna

noun

fau·​na ˈfȯn-ə 

ˈfän-

plural faunas also faunae -ˌē 

-ˌī

: animals or animal life especially of a region, period, or environment

faunal

-ᵊl 

adjective

Medical Definition

fauna

noun

fau·​na ˈfȯn-ə, ˈfän- 

plural faunas also faunae -ˌē  -ˌī 

: animal life

especially : the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment compare flora sense 1

faunal

-ᵊl 

adjective

faunally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb