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

Florida panthers, Maine moose, North Carolina red wolves and motorists in 16 states will benefit from $125 million in highway safety grants recently awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. —Noël Fletcher, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Unlike melanin, which makes animals like crows and black panthers appear dark, the researchers note that ultra-black is not just a matter of pigmentation. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

Also known as mountain lions or panthers, the species is native to the Americas. —Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 18 Dec. 2024

More panthers die each year from vehicle strikes than any other cause, according to the FWC. —Olivia Lloyd, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Dec. 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