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

Footage of the incident shows the mountain lion — the species also known as a cougar, puma or panther — lurking in some brush at the Orange County park, peeking its face tentatively from a spot behind some leaves. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025

Even in states where cougars breed, such as Colorado or California, human conflict with the animals is rarer than being struck by lightning. —Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025

Deer were historically a reliable food source for cougars and wolves, which have been driven off the Indiana landscape. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 9 Oct. 2025

Both cougars stepped out and dashed off. —Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Sep. 2025

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