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

She was taken to the Birmingham Zoo to live with bobcats Baxter and Boomer — and now Spruce, officials said. —Brooke Baitinger, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025

What about scrub gopher tortoises, coyotes, and bobcats? —Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025

Thanks to Baum’s work, Jockey’s Ridge remains hospitable to more than 160 types of birds, and 38 types of reptiles and amphibians call it home, along with otters, coyotes, foxes, rabbits and even at least one bobcat. —Amy Brecount White, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025

After sedating the bobcat, veterinary staff took X-rays and bandaged her paws, according to the nonprofit. —Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 3 Feb. 2025

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