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

Mountain lions—also known as cougars, panthers, or pumas—are among the largest wild cats in the United States. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024

Appearing just twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, this elusive shadow resembles a cougar in pursuit of its prey and creates an enchanting silhouette on Superstition Mountain over Apache Junction. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 19 Sep. 2024

Originally, she was supposed to play Vivian Pressman, the cougar going after Johnny. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024

Understanding the diets of these rambunctious cats may help prevent conflicts between the carnivores and people, and protect the species upon which dispersing cougars rely. —Ben Goldfarb, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 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