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

The big attractions are the abundance of alligators and, for the luckiest visitors, a river otter or even a bobcat — and the birds. — Deborah Green, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Philly kids who visited the academy could experience different ecosystems, from the snowy lands of the bobcat to rainforests home to giant monkeys. — Lili Mei Granda Argianas, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026

Keep an eye out for animals like black bears, bobcats, and moose. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2026

As wildlife biologist Christina Aiello searches for droppings of bighorn sheep, which are relatively abundant, the dog duo from Rogue Detection Teams will sniff out harder-to-find bobcat and mountain lion scat. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 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