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

Her first stop was the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, a non-profit wildlife hospital and sanctuary dedicated to rescuing Florida’s native species, from bald eagles to bobcats. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

On previous survey nights that lasted until sunrise, the researchers have seen mule deer, bobcats, badgers and foxes prowling in the cover of the dark. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Important rule changes this year include adding hunting to the state's bobcat season, as well as expanding the statewide quota to 400, a jump from last season’s 250. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2026

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

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