puma

noun

plural pumas also puma
: cougar sense 1
also : the fur or pelt of a cougar

Examples of puma in a Sentence

adult pumas can sometimes weigh over 200 pounds
Recent Examples on the Web These elusive predators have many names, such as cougar, puma, panther, catamount, ghost cat, or painter. Craig Caudill, Field & Stream, 14 Feb. 2024 Scientists confirmed that the virus jumped to wild mammals in May 2022 and has since been detected in dozens of mammals including pumas, foxes, skunks, and brown bears. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Jan. 2024 If raised in captivity, the puma's life span can last 21 years, according to the National Wildlife Federation. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2023 Mountain lions, which are also known as cougars, pumas or panthers, can be found across the globe, from Canada to South America, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 16 Dec. 2023 Beth Pratt, a regional executive director in California for the National Wildlife Federation, has celebrated the renowned puma at the park since 2016. Brennon Dixson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2023 Purple Karma barley, Siberian yarrow ‘Love Parade’, and a spicy puma pepper have caught our eye for some lavender-leaning crops to try when starting seeds for next spring. Sunset Magazine, 27 Sep. 2023 Trail cameras set up by researchers have shown pumas, bobcats and other large mammals blocked and searching fruitlessly for some way to get through. Nick Miroff, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2023 For other animals like bears or pumas, researchers may have to rely more on body markings. Charlotte Hu, Popular Science, 4 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'puma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puma was in 1774

Dictionary Entries Near puma

Cite this Entry

“Puma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puma. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

puma

noun
pu·​ma ˈp(y)ü-mə How to pronounce puma (audio)
plural pumas also puma
: cougar

More from Merriam-Webster on puma

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