bobcat

1 of 2

noun

bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat How to pronounce bobcat (audio)
: a common North American lynx (Lynx rufus) reddish in base color with dark markings

Illustration of bobcat

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Foxes, bobcats and coyotes can be infected with trichinosis, a parasitic infection. Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Oct. 2025 Runnoe cautions bobcat seekers to walk slowly and quietly. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2025 The post, shared on October 6th by u/Affectionate_Lime880, features pictures of the small feline playing with the poster on the porch, however, this is not a domestic cat but a bobcat cub. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 An artist and photographer, Alolkoy is experienced with wildlife photography, documenting local birds, bobcats and coyote. Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bobcat

Word History

Etymology

Noun

bob entry 4; from the stubby tail

First Known Use

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bobcat was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Bobcat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bobcat. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

bobcat

noun
bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat How to pronounce bobcat (audio)
: a common usually rusty-colored North American lynx with dark spots

More from Merriam-Webster on bobcat

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