re·wild·ing
(ˌ)rē-ˈwī(-ə)l-diŋ 
: an effort to increase biodiversity and restore the natural processes of an ecosystem that typically involves reducing or ceasing human activity and often the planned reintroduction of a plant or animal species and especially a keystone species
Rewilding—giving nature the space and opportunity to express itself—is largely a leap of faith.—
Isabella Tree
Isabella TreeLarge-scale domestic rewilding projects include dam removal in the Pacific Northwest and in the Northeast to facilitate the return of several endangered species of salmon, as well as reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone National Park, which stabilized and reinvigorated the ecosystem.—Carey Smith
Carey SmithThe concept of rewilding creates hope; it gives the opportunity to set things right, to link protected areas through corridors, to bring back species once lost, and to revitalize our forests, rivers, and wetlands with all forms of life.—Bahar Dutt
Bahar DuttThe truth of when this forest actually existed and why it disappeared is murky. … Now, a group of visionary conservationists and ecotourism companies are working to revive the landscape through rewilding.—Chloe Berge
Chloe Bergerewilding
2 of 2present participle of rewild
Examples of rewilding in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Kevin Gepford, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
In 2024, Rewilding Europe disbursed 20 million euros to support rewilding efforts across Europe.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
New York premiere of The Shepherd and the Bear, directed by Max Keegan, a documentary about the consequences of an ursine rewilding program in the French Pyrénées.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
Once under control, efforts expanded into large-scale reef restoration and marine rewilding.
—Andi Cross, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
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Noun
Several rewilding projects on the islands of Rodrigues and Mauritius, about 700 miles south of here, are using tortoises from Aldabra to do the work formerly provided by three extinct species.
—Kevin Gepford, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025
In 2024, Rewilding Europe disbursed 20 million euros to support rewilding efforts across Europe.
—Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
New York premiere of The Shepherd and the Bear, directed by Max Keegan, a documentary about the consequences of an ursine rewilding program in the French Pyrénées.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
Once under control, efforts expanded into large-scale reef restoration and marine rewilding.
—Andi Cross, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rewilding
Cite this Entry
“Rewilding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rewilding. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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