cheetah

noun

chee·​tah ˈchē-tə 

plural cheetahs also cheetah

: a long-legged, swift-moving cat (Acinonyx jubatus) about the size of a small leopard with a yellowish to tan coat covered with numerous round to oval black spots and blunt claws that only partially retract and having a current range restricted to Africa and isolated parts of Iran

Illustration of cheetah

Did you know?

A cheetah is a slender, long-legged cat that lives on the plains of Africa and in the Middle East, where it is threatened with extinction. It is the fastest land animal in the world over short distances and can reach a speed of 60 mph (100 kph). Its claws differ from those of other cats in being only partly retractable and lacking protective sheaths. Cheetahs purr rather than roar. Cheetahs grow to about 55 in. (140 cm) long, excluding the 29-31-in. (75-80-cm) tail, and weigh 110-130 lbs. (50-60 kg). Their coarse fur is sandy yellow above, white below, and covered with small black spots; a black streak runs down the face from the corner of each eye.

Examples of cheetah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Mix chocolate browns and olive greens with classic prints, like snakeskin and cheetah, for a unique pairing that won’t be overwhelming. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026

The experience is exclusive—no game encounter has more than two vehicles—and also offers bush walks for a closer look at the animals and the opportunity to assist with conservation efforts, including rhino and cheetah tracking. — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The kids also got to choose their own animal personas, with some opting to be cats, lions, cheetahs and even capybaras, before putting their own spin on the performance. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

The style—which is now 50% off—is available in a bold cheetah print, rich burgundy, and dark brown to pair with everything from wide leg jeans and a tank top to athleisure. — Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Hindi cītā & Urdu chītā leopard, from Sanskrit citraka, from citra bright, variegated; akin to Old High German heitar bright — more at -hood

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cheetah

• mita
• pita
• rita
• vitta
• amanita
• cucurbita
• emerita
• incognita
• manzanita
• senorita
• amrita
• excreta

Kids Definition

cheetah

noun

chee·​tah ˈchēt-ə 

: a long-legged spotted African and formerly Asian cat that is the fastest of all animals on land