: animal life
especially
: the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment
the diverse fauna of the island
compare flora
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
An infinite number of systems to visit and worlds to explore, each filled with its own unique flora and fauna.
—
Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 7 June 2025
In those waters, flora and fauna that could unlock medical breakthroughs sit untouched, and ocean dynamics mediate global climate conditions.
—Justin Worland, Time, 5 June 2025
Rivers is a smart guy who knows his flora and fauna as well as his duty to wildlife, even snakes.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 31 May 2025
Garden pathways offer lush avenues for exploring the property’s flora and fauna, some of which was cultivated in the estate’s on-site nursery.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fauna
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Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 7 June 2025
In those waters, flora and fauna that could unlock medical breakthroughs sit untouched, and ocean dynamics mediate global climate conditions.
—Justin Worland, Time, 5 June 2025
Rivers is a smart guy who knows his flora and fauna as well as his duty to wildlife, even snakes.
—Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 31 May 2025
Garden pathways offer lush avenues for exploring the property’s flora and fauna, some of which was cultivated in the estate’s on-site nursery.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fauna
Cite this Entry
“Fauna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fauna. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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Medical Definition
fauna
noun
fau·na
ˈfȯn-ə, ˈfän- 
: animal life
especially
: the animals characteristic of a region, period, or special environment compare flora sense 1
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