wilderness

noun

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wil·der·ness | \ ˈwil-dər-nəs

Definition of wilderness

1a(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— G. W. Gray †1960

c : a part of a garden devoted to wild growth

2 obsolete : wild or uncultivated state

3a : 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 More Example Sentences Phrases Containing wilderness Learn More About wilderness

Examples of wilderness in a Sentence

She enjoys hikes through the wilderness. released the wolf back into the wilderness

Recent Examples on the Web While Cesspooch explained, a deer approached through the aspens, watched the humans for a bit, then loped back into the wilderness. — Sean P. Means, The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Aug. 2022 Similarly, Jeremiah recalls God’s expression of love for Israel, who, despite all odds, followed Him into the wilderness. — Rabbi Avi Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2022 Instead of forcing our feelings of inadequacy into exile — like the goat sent into the wilderness — those who scapegoat can embrace this awareness and grow from it. — Katherine Kam, Washington Post, 19 July 2022 But this intrusion of traffic into the wilderness has led to high numbers of wildlife-vehicle collisions. — Nell Lewis, CNN, 4 July 2022 Will Staats loaded up on a couple of small packs of peanuts and a few other snacks at a gas station to fuel him for the day’s nine mile trek into the wilderness in search of moose sheds. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 1 June 2022 If your family isn't hugely into the wilderness, camp in your backyard, or even in your living room. — Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 26 May 2022 But snowmobilers who venture deep into the wilderness will still prefer gasoline, Mr. Boisjoli said. — New York Times, 15 May 2022 Thankfully, a deputy on site was able to open the hatchback up again, allowing the javelina to jump out and run back into the wilderness. — Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'wilderness.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.