fauna

noun

fau·​na ˈfȯ-nə How to pronounce fauna (audio)
ˈfä-
plural faunas also faunae ˈfȯ-ˌnē How to pronounce fauna (audio)
-ˌnī,
ˈfä-
: animal life
especially : the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment
the diverse fauna of the island
compare flora
faunal
ˈfȯ-nᵊl How to pronounce fauna (audio)
ˈfä-
adjective
faunally adverb

Did you know?

Faunus and Fauna were the Roman woodland god and goddess for whom animals were a particular concern. Faunus was the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Pan, and like Pan, he had goats' legs. Their goat-legged helpers, called fauns, were known for their love of pleasure and mischief. The fauna of a continent are often very similar across a broad east-west band; from north to south, however, they may vary greatly.

Examples of fauna in a Sentence

studying the diverse fauna of the island studying the faunas of different islands
Recent Examples on the Web The company has also announced sustainability targets that include using 100 percent renewable energy at sites and stores by 2026 via the LIFE 360 program—not to mention the preservation of 12.4 million acres of habitat for flora and fauna worldwide by 2030. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024 Here, cruisers can enjoy a mix of history, culture, and architecture — plus some seriously stunning landscapes (from lagoons and lakes to wetlands and beaches) along with lush flora and fauna. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 Guests can choose accommodations that are oceanfront, ocean view or in a Zen-like tropical setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle. Roger Sands, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Other exotic plants crowd out important native plants, and some are toxic to local flora and fauna. Bob Hirshon, Discover Magazine, 2 Mar. 2024 Tiffany Pereira, an associate research scientist at the institute, said the lake’s size now can be beneficial to local flora and fauna. Ty O'Neil, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2024 In her view, the bunkers ought to be protected not just against revelry, but against flora and fauna as well. Rebecca Panovka, Harper's Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 While filming The Outrun, Saoirse Ronan delivered lambs, swam with seals and communed with her fair share of flora and fauna. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2024 Guests are accommodated in four en-suite cabins and two double-en-suite suites, each decorated with maps of the Galápagos and illustrations of local flora and fauna. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 14 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fauna.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin Fauna, sister of Faunus

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fauna was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near fauna

Cite this Entry

“Fauna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fauna. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fauna

noun
fau·​na ˈfȯn-ə How to pronounce fauna (audio)
ˈfän-
plural faunas also faunae -ˌē How to pronounce fauna (audio)
-ˌī
: animals or animal life especially of a region, period, or environment
faunal adjective

Medical Definition

fauna

noun
plural faunas also faunae -ˌē How to pronounce fauna (audio) -ˌī How to pronounce fauna (audio)
: animal life
especially : the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment compare flora sense 1
faunal adjective
faunally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fauna

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