caracal

noun

car·​a·​cal ˈker-ə-ˌkal How to pronounce caracal (audio)
ˈka-rə-
: a long-legged reddish-brown nocturnal cat (Felis caracal synonym Lynx caracal) of savannas in Africa and parts of Asia that has long pointed ears with a tuft of black hairs at the tip

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In any case, what seemed to set off alarm bells for residents is when police contacted the Royal Oak school district Wednesday to warn the missing caracal was seen around an elementary school. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 15 Oct. 2021 The cat, a large caracal from Africa, escaped from its owner's garage last Wednesday, Southwest News Service (SWNS) reports. Michael Hollan, Fox News, 18 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'caracal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Turkish karakulak, from kara black + kulak ear

First Known Use

1760, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of caracal was in 1760

Dictionary Entries Near caracal

Cite this Entry

“Caracal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caracal. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

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