cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər How to pronounce cougar (audio)
 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 man

Illustration of cougar

Illustration of cougar
  • cougar 1

Examples of cougar in a Sentence

in many regions, suburban developments have encroached upon the habitat of the cougar
Recent Examples on the Web The specific angle of the setting sun against the mountain's unique topography creates a shadow that resembles a cougar chasing its prey. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 19 Sep. 2024 Meet the neighbors Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, live primarily in the western U.S. and are legally hunted in all western states except California. Rebecca Niemiec, The Conversation, 13 Sep. 2024 Not long ago, the park’s long-reigning king — the cougar known as P-22 — stalked the same hills. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2024 She'll be housed in a new habitat next to cougars Shasta VII and Louie. Shafaq Patel, Axios, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cougar 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cougar.' 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 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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cougar was in 1774

Dictionary Entries Near cougar

Cite this Entry

“Cougar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cougar. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

cougar

noun
cou·​gar ˈkü-gər How to pronounce cougar (audio)
 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

More from Merriam-Webster on cougar

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