ringtail

noun

ring·​tail ˈriŋ-ˌtāl How to pronounce ringtail (audio)
1
2
: a carnivore (Bassariscus astutus) of the western U.S. and Mexico that is related to and resembles the raccoon

called also cacomistle, civet cat, ringtail cat, ringtailed cat

3

Examples of ringtail in a Sentence

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.
Kids will love the 30-minute Running Wild show, which brings a skunk, ringtail cat, porcupine, pelican and a few macaws on stage. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 14 Aug. 2024 Species native to Arizona, including wolves, ringtail cat and coyotes. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 11 June 2024 The ringtail was taken to the Animal Emergency Room to be treated for its injuries. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 14 June 2023 With a lizard in its mouth and its unmistakable striped tail on full display, a ringtail recently was spotted crossing the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge, adding to the ever-growing list of critters using the passageway. Megan Rodriguez, San Antonio Express-News, 18 Nov. 2021 See all Example Sentences for ringtail 

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ringtail was in 1844

Dictionary Entries Near ringtail

Cite this Entry

“Ringtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ringtail. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on ringtail

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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