wilderness area

noun

often capitalized W&A
: an often large tract of public land maintained essentially in its natural state and protected against introduction of intrusive artifacts (such as roads and buildings)

Examples of wilderness area in a Sentence

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.
In early May 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives began to consider allowing the sale of federal lands in six counties in Nevada and Utah, five of which contain wilderness areas. Leisl Carr Childers, The Conversation, 13 May 2025 The bill established fifty-four wilderness areas, most in the American West, which, together, encompassed more than nine million acres. Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2025 President Trump's efforts to dismantle agencies that manage public lands and develop wilderness areas are deeply unpopular in the American West, a new poll shows. John Frank, Axios, 19 Feb. 2025 Where to stay There are several campgrounds within the wilderness area (some of which require permits), but for less-rugged accommodations, stay at a hotel in the nearby town of Aspen. Maggie Fuller, AFAR Media, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wilderness area

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wilderness area was in 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Wilderness area.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wilderness%20area. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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