Definition of wildcat - Reverso English Dictionary
Noun
1.
wild catcat living in the wild, larger than domestic cats
- The wildcat roamed freely in the forest.
2.
workTECH. unauthorized labor strikeTECH.
- The workers initiated a wildcat without union approval.
3.
energyTECH. US exploratory drilling for oil or gasTECH. US
- They invested in a wildcat hoping to find oil.
4.
sportsTECH. US offensive football formation with direct snap to running backTECH. US
- The team used a wildcat to surprise the defense.
5.
animalsTECH. US bobcat or similar New World lynx speciesTECH. US
- A wildcat was spotted near the hiking trail.
6.
firearmsTECH. customized or hand-made firearm cartridgeTECH.
- He loaded his rifle with a wildcat.
7.
nauticalDated wheel on a capstan shaft in nautical settingsDated
- The sailor adjusted the wildcat on the capstan.
Adjective
1.
businessrelated to risky or unplanned business ventures
- The company engaged in wildcat investments.
2.
oil wellTECH. US drilled speculatively in unproven areasTECH. US
- They drilled a wildcat well in the desert.
3.
authorizationunauthorized by official authorities
- They launched a wildcat operation without approval.
4.
laborTECH. US describing a strike without union approvalTECH. US
- The workers initiated a wildcat strike.
Verb
oil industryTECH. US drill for oil in unexplored areasTECH. US
- The company decided to wildcat in the new region.
Images of wildcat
cat living in the wild, larger than domestic cats 
bobcat or similar New World lynx species 
customized or hand-made firearm cartridge 
wheel on a capstan shaft in nautical settings
Expressions with wildcat
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strike by workers without union approval, often spontaneous
The workers began a wildcat strike over unsafe conditions.
drilling in unproven areas for oil or gas
Wildcat drilling in the desert led to a major discovery.
exploration well to find petroleum in a new area
They drilled a wildcat well hoping to strike oil.
risky business plan without proper authorization
The investors were wary of the wildcat scheme.
company operating without proper authorization or regulation
The wildcat company drilled for oil without permits.
Origin of wildcat
Old English, wilde (wild) + cat (cat)
Terms with wildcat included in their meaning
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animal
North American wildcat with tufted ears and short tail
wildlife
long-bodied wildcat with short legs
wildcat
small wildcat with a spotted coat, climbs trees headfirst
animal
small spotted wildcat native to Central and South America
wildlife
desert wildcat species Felis margarita
Examples of wildcat in a sentence
Wildcats are rarely seen by hikers. A wildcat halted production at the factory. Management condemned the wildcat as illegal. The company took a risk on a wildcat in the desert. Wildcat drilling can be a high-stakes investment. They scored a touchdown using the wildcat formation.
The wildcat caught the defense off guard. The wildcat's tracks were found in the snow. Farmers often lose livestock to the elusive wildcat. The gunsmith crafted a unique wildcat for the hunter. Collectors often seek out rare wildcat cartridges. The crew inspected the wildcat for any damage. A broken wildcat can delay the ship's departure. Wildcat schemes often lead to financial ruin. He was known for his wildcat business tactics. Investors were wary of funding the wildcat project. The wildcat drilling yielded unexpected oil reserves. The wildcat strike caught the company off guard. He faced penalties for his wildcat construction project. Management was surprised by the wildcat action of the employees. The wildcat protest disrupted the factory's operations. They plan to wildcat in the desert next year. Investors were hesitant to wildcat without more data.
View all translations of wildcat
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:chat sauvage, risqué, ...
- German:Wildkatze, riskant, ...
- Italian:gatto selvatico, azzardato, ...
- Spanish:gato montés, arriesgado, ...
- Portuguese:gato-bravo, arriscado, ...
- Chinese:野猫, 冒险的, ...
- Japanese:ヤマネコ, 無謀な, ...
- Arabic:قِطّ بَرِّي, عَشوائي, ...
- Hebrew:חָתוּל בַּר, הַרְפַּתְקָנִי, ...
- Russian:дикая кошка, рискованный, ...
- Ukrainian:дикий кіт, ризикований, ...
- Hindi:जंगली बिल्ली, जोखिम भरा, ...
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