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

This means the landscape provides critical migration routes for species like elk, mule deer, bears, moose, and bobcats—thus allowing for exceptional wildlife sightings in the spring and fall that rival Yellowstone National Park. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Jan. 2026

Cottontails are strict vegetarians, but unfortunately for them, that’s not the case for the coyotes, bobcats, foxes and raptors that share their surroundings. —Susan Koch, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026

Kogo said the rural intersection of Broward and Palm Beach counties is vulnerable because there are large snakes there, and still a good number of large prey, such as raccoons, bobcats and deer. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026

Even in the dead of winter, breeding season starts for gray foxes, red foxes, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons and squirrels. —Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 3 Jan. 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