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

Native to North, Central and South America, cougars are among the continent’s largest wild cats and are known for their agility, strength and adaptability. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 2026

The cougar would have done a good job of stripping off the main parts, then vultures and smaller animals would have cleaned up the leftovers. —Joan Morris, Mercury News, 1 June 2026

Wildlife officials arrived and eventually successfully tranquilized the cougar, but only after several tense hours where residents were warned to stay indoors. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

There are cougars and hippopotamuses. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 13 May 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