bobcat

1 of 2

noun

bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat 

: a common North American lynx (Lynx rufus) reddish in base color with dark markings

Illustration of bobcat

Bobcat

2 of 2

trademark

—used for a small 4-wheeled or tracklaying work vehicle (as for excavating or for lifting and moving loads)

Examples of bobcat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Similar to how double-coated animals like wolves and bobcats shed water with their fur, the fringe, when attached to shoes, pants, and tunics, could help keep wearers dry during rainy treks. — Faran Krentcil, InStyle, 1 July 2026

This information is useful to know since the bobcat and fisher compete for resources. — Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

That’s too tight for many animals like turkeys, coyotes and bobcats to crawl through. — Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 28 June 2026

Keep an eye out for whooping cranes, endangered Florida panthers, black bears, bobcats, alligators, and red wolves within the roughly 200 acre-park. — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

bob entry 4; from the stubby tail

First Known Use

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bobcat

• begat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• format
• hazmat
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat
• tomcat

Kids Definition

bobcat

noun

bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat 

: a common usually rusty-colored North American lynx with dark spots