deer

[ deer ]

noun

plural deer, (occasionally) deers.

1. any of several ruminants of the family Cervidae, most of the males of which have solid, deciduous antlers.
2. any of the smaller species of this family, as distinguished from the moose, elk, etc.

deer

/ dɪə /

noun

1. any ruminant artiodactyl mammal of the family Cervidae, including reindeer, elk, muntjacs, and roe deer, typically having antlers in the male cervine
2. (in N Canada) another name for caribou

Word History and Origins

Origin of deer¹

before 900; Middle English der, Old English dēor beast; akin to Gothic dius beast, Old High German tior

Word History and Origins

Origin of deer¹

Old English dēor beast; related to Old High German tior wild beast, Old Norse dӯr

Example Sentences

The virus can spread through the urine, feces or saliva of wild rodents, including deer mice, which are common in many parts of California, according to the California Department of Public Health.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve encountered a bobcat here and there, packs of coyotes and deer, but that was the first bear.

From Los Angeles Times

Combine harvesters had been spotted mowing over baby deer and baby elk.

From Los Angeles Times

In the second part of her statement, Jones launches a scathing attack on Australia's animal culling laws, including wombats, kangaroos, horses, deer and pigs.

From BBC

From above, a soaring condor scans the terrain and spots easy pickings -- the remains left after hunters have shot a deer, wild pig or some other game animal.

From Los Angeles Times