venison

noun ven·i·son \ˈve-nə-sən also -zən, British usually ˈven-zən\

: the meat of a deer

plural venisons also venison

Full Definition of VENISON

: the edible flesh of a game animal and especially a deer

See venison defined for English-language learners

See venison defined for kids

Origin of VENISON

Middle English, from Anglo-French veneisun game, venison, from Latin venation-, venatio hunting, from venari to hunt, pursue; akin to Sanskrit vanoti he strives for — more at win

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with VENISON

benison, Tennyson

VENISONS Defined for Kids

venison

noun ven·i·son \ˈve-nə-sən, -zən\

Definition of VENISON for Kids

: the meat of a deer used for food

Learn More About VENISON

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "venison"

Nglish: Translation of "venison" for Spanish speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "venison"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: venison birdPrevious Word in the Dictionary: Venise laceAll Words Near: venison

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up venison? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More