panther

noun

pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər How to pronounce panther (audio)
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
3
: jaguar

Examples of panther in a Sentence

the panther is surprisingly difficult to spot
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The party continued at the reception, which included mirror panther dancers, stilt walkers, saxophonists, shot girls, fireworks and more. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025 The panthers typically wake up and walk away within minutes. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2025 The adult male panther weighed 166 pounds, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Landon Mion, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025 Part jungle, part swamp, part city — with dozens of animals that can kill you, from alligators to panthers to venomous snakes. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for panther

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of panther was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Panther.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panther. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

panther

noun
pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər How to pronounce panther (audio)
plural panthers also panther
1
: leopard
especially : one that is black
2
: cougar
3
: jaguar

More from Merriam-Webster on panther

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!