Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
wildcatter
Noun
/ˈwaɪlˌkætər/
Definition
A wildcatter is a person or company that drills for oil or gas in areas where no discoveries have been made previously, often taking significant financial risks.
Examples
- During the oil boom, many wildcatters struck it rich by discovering wells in unproven areas.
- The wildcatter’s gamble paid off when they found a large reserve of natural gas.
- Despite the challenges, the wildcatter remained optimistic about future drilling opportunities.
Meaning
The term is often used to describe independent oil and gas operators who seek to explore new territories for energy resources.
Synonyms
- Prospector
- Explorer
- Driller
