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 birds helped keep snakes at bay and warned of encroaching bobcats. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

The bobcats would sometimes venture into nearby West Hartford by utilizing riparian zones or brush near rivers or streams and staying hidden. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026

Working with other volunteers, Smee has helped remove invasive plants and plant native species, including 30 oak trees that attract local wildlife like the endangered monarch butterfly, mountain lions and bobcats. —Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

As one San Diego landscape architect explained, beyond toxic plants, there are predators like coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 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