cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər 

also -ˌgär

plural cougars also cougar

1

: a large powerful tawny-brown cat (Puma concolor synonym Felis concolor) formerly widespread in the Americas but now reduced in number or extinct in many areas

called also catamount, mountain lion, panther, puma

2

slang : a middle-aged woman seeking a romantic relationship with a younger partner

Illustration of cougar

• cougar 1

Synonyms of cougar

• panther

Examples of cougar in a Sentence

in many regions, suburban developments have encroached upon the habitat of the cougar

Recent Examples on the Web

Animal exodus Bly Road has long been home to many animals, Hahnfeld and the Hoffs said, including cougars, eagles, owls and deer. —Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026

In one, a therapist-like figure helps a young man through a question about how to improve communication with his mother—then starts serving him ads for hot cougars in his area. —Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 8 Feb. 2026

Male cougars are extremely territorial, and two landowners located near each other accounted for nine of the 31 reports. —CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026

About 67 cougars are living in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, the DFW report estimates. —Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French couguar, modification of New Latin cuguacuarana, from Tupi sɨwasuarána, from sɨwásu deer + -ran resembling

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cougar

• huger
• luger

Kids Definition

cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər 

also -ˌgär

plural cougars also cougar

: a large powerful brownish yellow cat formerly widespread in the Americas but no longer found in many areas

called also catamount, mountain lion, panther, puma