ENGLISH
REFERENCE

deer

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈdɪɹ// UK //dˈiə// deer Archaic

n. a large wild animal with four thin legs that can run very fast. The males usually have hard, branch-like horns called antlers on their heads.

n. a hoofed ruminant mammal of the family Cervidae, typically characterised by the presence of deciduous antlers in males. The term is used collectively for various species including elk, moose, and reindeer.


SIMPLE

A wild deer ran across the road into the forest.

CONTEXTUAL

We watched a small group of deer grazing quietly in the meadow at dawn.

COMPLEX

Conservationists noted that the local deer population had grown significantly, leading to concerns about overgrazing and the health of the forest undergrowth.

Synonyms
Usage

The plural form is identical to the singular ('one deer', 'two deer').

Pitfall

I saw three deers in the parkI saw three deer in the parkThe noun 'deer' has an irregular plural form that is identical to the singular.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference