lynx

noun

ˈliŋ(k)s 

plural lynx or lynxes

1

: any of several wildcats (genus Lynx) with relatively long legs, a short stubby tail, mottled coat, and usually tufted ears: such as

a

: a lynx (L. lynx) of northern Europe and Asia

b

: bobcat

c

: a North American lynx (L. canadensis) distinguished from the bobcat by its larger size, longer tufted ears, and wholly black tail tip

called also Canadian lynx

2

Lynx astronomy : a dim northern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Ursa Major and Gemini and that is represented by the figure of a lynx

… Johannes Hevelius named this new constellation Lynx because only an observer with "the eyes of a lynx" could see its faint shape.

—Richard Berry

Illustration of lynx

Examples of lynx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Big cats on the ballot Colorado’s Initiative 91 would ban hunting and trapping of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx in the state. —Rebecca Niemiec, The Conversation, 13 Sep. 2024

The number of lions, bobcats and lynx in Colorado is increasing and neither the lion nor bobcat are on the endangered species list. —Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2024

When cats play, their behavior tends to resemble hunting behavior commonly seen in European wildcats and lynxes: rapid approach and retreat, leaping, chasing, pouncing, and stalking. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 4 Sep. 2024

Secondary threats to both the lynx and the rabbits come from environmental degradation in their natural habitat, scientists said. —Emma Ogao, ABC News, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek; akin to Old English lox lynx and probably to Greek leukos white — more at light

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lynx

• Canada lynx
• Canadian lynx
• lynx-eyed

Kids Definition

lynx

noun

ˈliŋ(k)s 

plural lynx or lynxes

1

: a large North American wildcat with rather long legs, a short stubby black-tipped tail, a coat marked with spots and blotches, soft fur, ears with small bunches of long fur at the tip, and large padded feet

called also Canada lynx

2

: any of several related wildcats (as the bobcat)