wildcat
Wildcat (adj) means describing an action, especially a strike, taken by workers without official union approval. Example: “The drivers staged a wildcat strike over the new schedules.”
How to use wildcat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes unauthorized, risky, or unofficial action — from labor strikes to speculative oil drilling.
Word forms
wildcatted past tense, wildcats singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The drivers staged a _____ strike over the new schedules.
Etymology
From "wild" + "cat"; the business sense traces back to risky, unregulated "wildcat banks" in 1830s Michigan, named for operating recklessly like a wild animal.
Frequently asked questions
What does “wildcat” mean?
The word “wildcat” means describing an action, especially a strike, taken by workers without official union approval. In plain terms, describes unauthorized, risky, or unofficial action — from labor strikes to speculative oil drilling.
How do you pronounce “wildcat”?
“Wildcat” is pronounced WYLD-kat (/ˈwaɪ.əldˌkæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “wildcat” in a sentence?
Here is “wildcat” used in a sentence: “The drivers staged a wildcat strike over the new schedules.”
What part of speech is “wildcat”?
Depending on how it is used, “wildcat” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “wildcat” come from?
The word “wildcat” dates back to around 1830. From "wild" + "cat"; the business sense traces back to risky, unregulated "wildcat banks" in 1830s Michigan, named for operating recklessly like a wild animal.
How many meanings does “wildcat” have?
“Wildcat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: describing an action, especially a strike, taken by workers without official union approval.