cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər 

 also  -ˌgär

plural cougars also cougar

1

: a large powerful tawny-brown cat (Puma concolor synonym Felis concolor) formerly widespread in the Americas but now reduced in number or extinct in many areas

called also catamount, mountain lion, panther, puma

2

slang : a middle-aged woman seeking a romantic relationship with a younger man

Illustration of cougar

• cougar 1

Synonyms

• catamount
• cat-a-mountain
• mountain lion
• panther
• puma

Examples of cougar in a Sentence

in many regions, suburban developments have encroached upon the habitat of the cougar

Recent Examples on the Web

And as soon as a little cub wanders into their lair, these cougars are ready to pounce. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 3 July 2024

His favorite animal was a cougar and his laugh could fill rooms. —Cheri Carlson, USA TODAY, 11 June 2024

Video shows how the team cared for the tranquilized cougar, prepared him for transport and released him in a grassy wooded area. —Brooke Baitinger, Sacramento Bee, 15 May 2024

The 4-year-old male cougar’s remains were collected on PCH near Las Posas Road in Ventura County. —Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

French couguar, modification of New Latin cuguacuarana, from Tupi sɨwasuarána, from sɨwásu deer + -ran resembling

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər 

 also  -ˌgär

plural cougars also cougar

: a large powerful brownish yellow cat formerly widespread in the Americas but no longer found in many areas

called also catamount, mountain lion, panther, puma