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

If a bobcat enters your residence, officials advise people to move themselves and pets away from the area and call 911. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Police believe the bobcat climbed a tree and jumped through an open window, possibly after being drawn inside by the homeowner's cat. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

As for how a bobcat ended up in the house in the first place, Kirkland Police believe the adventurous intruder climbed a tree and jumped through an open window, possibly lured in by the resident’s indoor cat. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Sep. 2026

The cat haven has been operating for 28 years and houses 39 cat species, including cheetahs, bobcats, clouded leopards, cougars and snow leopards. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 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