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

They are advised to remain at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars. — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 July 2026

The National Park Service recommends remaining at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars, and at least 25 yards away from all other animals, including bison and elk. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026

Park goers are advised to stay at least 25 yards away from all large animals -- including bison, as well as elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes -- and at least 100 yards away from bears, wolves and cougars. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 June 2026

Washington State used to operate a large Karelian Bear Dog program to mitigate bear and cougar conflicts, but it’s been significantly scaled back in recent years. — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 17 June 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