wildcat

3 definitions • 2 examples

a small wild animal of the cat family that looks similar to a pet cat and that lives mainly in areas with forests and mountains

used to refer to a search for oil in a new area without knowing if any will be found, or if a profit can be made from it:

Wildcat drilling is a big risk but investors stand to make huge profits if oil is found.

a supply of oil discovered in a new area:

The energy giant is experiencing difficulties with its wildcats off the Venezuelan coast.