noun B1 Intermediate Common

wildlife

WYLD-lyf

Wildlife (noun) means Wild animals living in their natural environment, collectively. Example: “The national park protects a huge variety of wildlife.”

noun

Wild animals living in their natural environment, collectively.

"The national park protects a huge variety of wildlife."

"Poaching remains a serious threat to local wildlife."

How to use wildlife

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUndomesticated animals living in nature, considered as a group.

Common pairings

wildlife reserve protect wildlife wildlife sanctuary

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The national park protects a huge variety of _____.

Etymology

A compound of "wild" and "life," first used to describe animals living freely in nature.

Synonyms

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fauna flora and fauna wild animals creatures

Related words

animal fauna brute zoology

Rhymes for wildlife

Ife wife life fife rife knife strife midwife midlife lowlife penknife housewife

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Frequently asked questions

What does “wildlife” mean?

The word “wildlife” means wild animals living in their natural environment, collectively. In plain terms, undomesticated animals living in nature, considered as a group.

How do you pronounce “wildlife”?

“Wildlife” is pronounced WYLD-lyf (/ˈwaɪldlaɪf/ in IPA).

How do you use “wildlife” in a sentence?

Here is “wildlife” used in a sentence: “The national park protects a huge variety of wildlife.”

What part of speech is “wildlife”?

“Wildlife” is a noun.

Is “wildlife” a common word?

“Wildlife” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

What is the difference between wildlife and animals?

Wildlife refers collectively to wild animals living in their natural environment, so it excludes pets, farm animals, and creatures in captivity. Animals is a much broader term covering all members of the animal kingdom, wild or domestic. In broad usage, wildlife can also include wild plants and other organisms, but its core meaning is undomesticated animals in the wild.

Is wildlife singular or plural, and does it take a singular or plural verb?

Wildlife is an uncountable (mass) noun and normally takes a singular verb, as in "wildlife is protected here." You do not add an -s to make it plural or say "a wildlife"; instead you refer to "wildlife" as a whole or use phrases like "forms of wildlife" or "wildlife species."

What are common collocations with wildlife?

Wildlife frequently appears in compounds and pairings such as "wildlife conservation," "wildlife sanctuary," "wildlife habitat," "wildlife photography," and "protect wildlife." It is also common in "native wildlife," "local wildlife," and "endangered wildlife."

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