fallow deer

noun

: a deer (Dama dama synonym Cervus dama) of variable color with palmate antlers in the male and typically a yellow-brown coat spotted with white in the summer that was originally of Mediterranean regions of Europe and Asia but has been introduced elsewhere

Illustration of fallow deer

Illustration of fallow deer

Examples of fallow 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.
Blackbuck antelope, exotic European fallow deer, and Japanese beef cattle are among the creatures that dwell on the property. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2024 Charlie Burrell and Isabella Tree’s 3500-acre rewilding and regenerative farming project has turned marginal lands into a home to a remarkable array of wildlife—everything from red and fallow deer to Exmoor ponies and turtle doves roam free here—and an abundance of flora. Juliet Kinsman, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

fallow entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near fallow deer

Cite this Entry

“Fallow deer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fallow%20deer. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

fallow deer

noun
: a small European deer with broad antlers and a pale yellow coat spotted white in the summer
Etymology

from earlier fallow "a pale yellowish brown color"

More from Merriam-Webster on fallow deer

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!