wildcat

[ wahyld-kat ]

noun

, plural wild·cats, (especially collectively) wild·cat

1. any of several North American felines of the genus Lynx. Compare lynx.
2. a yellowish-gray, black-striped feline, Felis sylvestris, of Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, resembling and closely related to the domestic cat, with which it interbreeds freely.
3. a closely related feline, Felis sylvestris libyca, of northern Africa, believed to be the ancestor of the domestic cat.
4. any of several other of the smaller felines, as the serval or ocelot.
5. a domestic cat that has become feral.
6. a quick-tempered or savage person.
7. Railroads. a single locomotive operating without a train, as one switching cars.
8. an exploratory well drilled in an effort to discover deposits of oil or gas; a prospect well.
9. a reckless or unsound enterprise, business, etc.
10. Informal. wildcatter ( def 2 ).
11. Nautical. a shaped drum on a windlass, engaging with the links of an anchor chain.
12. Informal. wildcat strike.

adjective

1. characterized by or proceeding from reckless or unsafe business methods:

   wildcat companies; wildcat stocks.

2. of or relating to an illicit enterprise or product.
3. running without control or regulation, as a locomotive, or apart from the regular schedule, as a train.

verb (used without object)

, wild·cat·ted, wild·cat·ting.

1. to search an area of unknown or doubtful productivity for oil, ore, or the like, especially as an independent prospector.
2. Slang. to engage in a wildcat strike.

verb (used with object)

, wild·cat·ted, wild·cat·ting.

1. to search (an area of unknown or doubtful productivity) for oil, ore, or the like.

wildcat

/ ˈwaɪldˌkæt /

noun

1. a wild European cat, Felis silvestris, that resembles the domestic tabby but is larger and has a bushy tail
2. any of various other felines, esp of the genus Lynx, such as the lynx and the caracal
3. another name for bobcat
4. informal.
   a savage or aggressive person
5. an exploratory drilling for petroleum or natural gas
6. an unsound commercial enterprise
7. a railway locomotive in motion without drawing any carriages or wagons Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)light engine
8. modifier
   1. of or relating to an unsound business enterprise

      wildcat stock

   2. financially or commercially unsound

      a wildcat project

9. modifier (of a train) running without permission or outside the timetable

verb

1. intr to drill for petroleum or natural gas in an area having no known reserves

Derived Forms

• ˈwildˌcatting, nounadjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wildcat¹

1375–1425; late Middle English wilde cat; compare Middle Low German wildkatte

Example Sentences

For the second half, nearly every play went through the running back, who even lined up for some direct snaps as a wildcat quarterback.

From Los Angeles Times

Upon arrival he launched a tuna fish cannery, sold canned produce, opened a chain of laundries in the Coalinga area, and even spent some time wildcatting for oil.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s no reason Perez can’t be similar to two-time City Section player of the year Peyton Waters, who led Birmingham with his versatility as a defensive back, receiver and wildcat quarterback.

From Los Angeles Times

Former Conservative transport secretary Mr Harper has previously claimed the plan could worsen services for passengers, saying it could lead to "French-style wildcat strikes with no notice".

From BBC

It’s not the first time California residents have mistaken a tame tabby for a ferocious wildcat.

From Los Angeles Times