ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wildlife

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈwaɪɫdˌɫaɪf// UK //wˈaɪldlaɪf// wildlife General-service

n. animals, birds, and insects that live in their natural environment. It usually refers to creatures that are not kept by people on farms or as pets.

n. animals and other living creatures that reside in a wild, undomesticated state. Often used as a collective term for the fauna of a specific region.


SIMPLE

We saw a lot of wildlife during our hike.

CONTEXTUAL

The new highway was built with special tunnels to allow wildlife to cross safely without entering traffic.

COMPLEX

Conservationists argue that the encroachment of urban development into the wetlands poses a significant threat to the local wildlife, particularly migratory bird species that rely on the area for nesting.

Origin

From wild + life.

Usage

Always used with a singular verb; does not have a plural form 'wildlifes'.

Pitfall

The wildlifes in the park are beautiful.The wildlife in the park is beautiful.Wildlife is uncountable and takes a singular verb, even when referring to many different animals.

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