wilderness

noun

wil·​der·​ness ˈwil-dər-nəs How to pronounce wilderness (audio)
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 foundG. 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 monkeysWilliam Shakespeare
b
: a bewildering situation
those moral wildernesses of civilized lifeNorman Mailer

Examples of wilderness in a Sentence

She enjoys hikes through the wilderness. released the wolf back into the wilderness
Recent Examples on the Web These tours not only enhance your chances of seeing the aurora but also provide an opportunity to explore the winter wilderness. David Nikel, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 An 8-year-old boy from Baltimore was rescued in Flagstaff on Aug. 22 after being missing for over 12 hours in the Coconino County wilderness, thanks to the efforts of volunteer rescuers. Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2024 In the Canadian wilderness, Shawn Reilly was enjoying a respite from his always-on duties as Waukesha's mayor, separated from concerns raised by the airing of a political attack ad referencing the tragic 2021 Christmas parade in his community. Jim Riccioli, Journal Sentinel, 5 Sep. 2024 This month Netflix is taking viewers to the Alaskan wilderness, the shores of Nantucket, the boxing rings of Poland, and the glittering streets of Paris - again. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wilderness 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'wilderness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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)

Time Traveler
The first known use of wilderness was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near wilderness

Cite this Entry

“Wilderness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wilderness. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

wilderness

noun
wil·​der·​ness ˈwil-dər-nəs How to pronounce wilderness (audio)
: an area in which few people live that is not used for farming and is more or less in its natural state

More from Merriam-Webster on wilderness

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