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

—G. 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

• nature
• open
• open air
• out-of-doors
• outdoors
• wild

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

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