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

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

Gather filmed proof of the existence of a much-fabled local panther and collect the $50,000 prize offered to any fearless explorer who succeeds in the mission. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024

While their coloring is usually spotted, similar to that of a leopard, around 11 percent of jaguars are the rarer variety, known as the black panther. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024

Read on for more, including a look at Florida's endangered panthers and a story about why osprey chicks around the Chesapeake Bay face an uncertain future. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 20 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