lynx

noun

ˈliŋ(k)s 

plural lynx or lynxes

1

: any of several wildcats (genus Lynx) with relatively long legs, a short stubby tail, mottled coat, and usually tufted ears: such as

a

: a lynx (L. lynx) of northern Europe and Asia

b

: bobcat

c

: a North American lynx (L. canadensis) distinguished from the bobcat by its larger size, longer tufted ears, and wholly black tail tip

called also Canadian lynx

2

Lynx astronomy : a dim northern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Ursa Major and Gemini and that is represented by the figure of a lynx

… Johannes Hevelius named this new constellation Lynx because only an observer with "the eyes of a lynx" could see its faint shape.

—Richard Berry

Illustration of lynx

Examples of lynx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, in an ecosystem where lynxes prey on hares, a growing lynx population eventually overhunts and crashes the hare population, which then results in food scarcity and the decline of lynxes, which allows hares to recover, and so on. —Gabriel Popkin, Quanta Magazine, 16 June 2025

Some Egyptian users referenced the symbolism of the lynx in ancient Egyptian mythology, where it was associated with the goddess Mafdet, who was regarded as a protector against snakes and other dangers. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

The captures highlight a campaign by some activists to reintroduce lynx to help control the deer population and symbolize Scotland’s commitment to wildlife diversity. —Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025

Farmers remain worried that the lynx may prey upon their livestock. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek; akin to Old English lox lynx and probably to Greek leukos white — more at light

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lynx

• Canada lynx
• Canadian lynx
• lynx-eyed

Rhymes for lynx

• binks
• blinks
• chinks
• drinks
• hinks
• inks
• jinks
• jinx
• kinks
• links
• minks
• pinks

Kids Definition

lynx

noun

ˈliŋ(k)s 

plural lynx or lynxes

1

: a large North American wildcat with rather long legs, a short stubby black-tipped tail, a coat marked with spots and blotches, soft fur, ears with small bunches of long fur at the tip, and large padded feet

called also Canada lynx

2

: any of several related wildcats (as the bobcat)