panda

noun

pan·​da ˈpan-də 

1

: red panda

2

: a large black-and-white mammal (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually classified with the bears (family Ursidae)

called also giant panda

Illustration of panda

• A red panda
• B panda 2

Examples of panda in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Zoo officials did not respond to questions about the panda cam. —Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2024

The National Zoo estimates there are about 1,864 pandas living in the wild in China. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 29 May 2024

There are just over 1,800 pandas left in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Fund, and although breeding programs have increased their numbers, the panda's survival is still considered at severe risk. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 29 May 2024

The famous panda family returned to China in 2023, but the zoo still has a wide range of animals to admire, from wallabies to gorillas to naked mole-rats. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, perhaps from a language of the southeast Himalayas

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing panda

• giant panda
• lesser panda
• panda car
• red panda

Kids Definition

panda

noun

pan·​da ˈpan-də 

1

: red panda

2

: a large black and white mammal of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually considered to be closely related to the bears

called also giant panda