cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər How to pronounce cougar (audio)
 also  -ˌgär
plural cougars also cougar
1
: a large powerful tawny-brown cat (Puma concolor synonym Felis concolor) formerly widespread in the Americas but now reduced in number or extinct in many areas

called also catamount, mountain lion, panther, puma

2
slang : a middle-aged woman seeking a romantic relationship with a younger man

Illustration of cougar

Illustration of cougar
  • cougar 1

Examples of cougar in a Sentence

in many regions, suburban developments have encroached upon the habitat of the cougar
Recent Examples on the Web Felines as ferocious as tigers, cougars, and cheetahs could tell people apart, and weren't afraid to pick favorites. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024 Mountain lions are another deer predator that can turn on the burners in a big way; the best estimates place a cougar’s top speed at 40-50 mph. Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 28 Feb. 2024 This has been documented in several states where cougars have been absent for a century or more. Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 15 Feb. 2024 Male cougars generally weigh between 145-170 pounds, according to the National Park Service, meaning this particular cat was significantly underweight. Mitchell Willetts, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2024 But the Cougars never lost the lead from there, with Rice hitting a near-clinching 15-foot jumper with an open look with 22 seconds left, giving the cougars a 71-67 lead. Bruce Pascoe, The Arizona Republic, 14 Jan. 2024 In November, a bowhunter in Buffalo County shot and killed a cougar that approached his tree stand. Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2024 All the iconic Rocky Mountains animals are present in the park — moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, wolves, cougars, and grizzly bears. Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Pace said the other cyclists were able to pin the cougar down with a mountain bike until officers arrived. Kirsty Hatcher, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cougar.' 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

French couguar, modification of New Latin cuguacuarana, from Tupi sɨwasuarána, from sɨwásu deer + -ran resembling

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cougar was in 1774

Dictionary Entries Near cougar

Cite this Entry

“Cougar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cougar. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cougar

noun
cou·​gar ˈkü-gər How to pronounce cougar (audio)
 also  -ˌgär
plural cougars also cougar
: a large powerful brownish yellow cat formerly widespread in the Americas but no longer found in many areas

called also catamount, mountain lion, panther, puma

More from Merriam-Webster on cougar

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