panther

noun

pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər 

plural panthers also panther

1

: leopard: such as

a

: a leopard of a hypothetical exceptionally large fierce variety

b

: a leopard of the black color phase

2

: cougar sense 1 compare florida panther

3

: jaguar

Synonyms

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

Examples of panther in a Sentence

the panther is surprisingly difficult to spot

Recent Examples on the Web

One panther was killed earlier this year after being hit by a train. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 27 Nov. 2024

There are black panthers, a melanistic version of a leopard, Panthera pardus, or jaguar, Panthera onca. —Elizabeth Carlen, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024

Grab any black wildcat or panther costume, add some red details around the nose, eyebrows and ears, and throw on some UC gear. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024

In black and white, my goober cats are stunning panthers. —Victoria Song, The Verge, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pantere, from Anglo-French panthere, from Latin panthera, from Greek panthēr

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing panther

• Florida panther

Kids Definition

panther

noun

pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər 

plural panthers also panther

1

: leopard

especially : one that is black

2

: cougar

3

: jaguar