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

Otherwise, the Procolored DTF oven does a really good job of keeping the workflow moving while looking cute at the same time with its big, happy panda face. —Joe Salas october 29, New Atlas, 29 Oct. 2025

There will also be plenty of traditional dance, some K-pop and, of course, pandas in the form of inflatables and other Instagram-worthy installations. —Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Oct. 2025

For dessert, freshly made Hong Kong-style egg puff waffles are a highlight, but don’t miss out on the downright adorable panda bear and pig sweet buns filled with sweet custard. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025

Even pandas—poster child of adorableness—don’t match the plush ideal. —Marisa McMillan, Outside, 7 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for panda

• banda
• ganda
• vanda
• aranda
• miranda
• veranda
• verandah
• jacaranda
• memoranda
• propaganda

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