red deer

noun

: elk sense 1a
—used for one of the Old World

Examples of red deer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It was likely made from elk or red deer bone. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026 Populations of lynx, moose, red deer and even free-roaming packs of dogs have rebounded. — Derek Gatopoulos, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026 In any number of species—elephant seals, red deer, rattlesnakes—the privilege of mating is settled by a fight. — Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 The park is now home to a rich variety of wildlife, including wildcats, red deer, snakes, and even wolves that have recently returned to the region after a long absence. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for red deer

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of red deer was in the 15th century

Rhymes for red deer

See All Rhymes for red deer

Browse Nearby Words

red deal
red deer
Red Deer
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Cite this Entry

“Red deer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/red%20deer. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

red deer

noun
: elk sense 2
—used for one of Europe, Africa, and Asia

Geographical Definition

Red Deer

geographical name

1
river 385 miles (620 kilometers) long in southern Alberta, Canada, flowing east and southeast into the South Saskatchewan River
2
city in south central Alberta, Canada, on the Red Deer River south of Edmonton population 90,564

More from Merriam-Webster on red deer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about red deer

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