lynx

noun

ˈliŋ(k)s 

plural lynx or lynxes

1

: any of several wildcats with relatively long legs, a short stubby tail, mottled coat, and usually tufted ears that are thought to comprise a distinct genus (Lynx) of the cat family or to be part of a genus (Felis) that includes the domestic cat and cougar: such as

a

: a lynx (L. lynx) of northern Europe and Asia

b

: bobcat

c

: a North American lynx (L. canadensis) distinguished from the bobcat by its larger size, longer tufted ears, and wholly black tail tip

called also Canadian lynx

2

Lynx astronomy : a dim northern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Ursa Major and Gemini and that is represented by the figure of a lynx

… Johannes Hevelius named this new constellation Lynx because only an observer with "the eyes of a lynx" could see its faint shape.

—Richard Berry

Illustration of lynx

Examples of lynx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its successful track record includes reintroducing black-footed ferrets, river otters, lynx, and, more recently, gray wolves, which were released into Colorado’s high country in December last year. —Christine Peterson, Vox, 1 July 2024

To combat the lynx's extinction, extensive efforts have been made to restore the rabbit population on the Iberian Peninsula. —Emma Ogao, ABC News, 21 June 2024

While the latest Red List update offers hope for other species in the same situation, the lynx isn’t out of danger just yet, says Mr. Hilton-Taylor. —Teresa Medrano and James Brooks, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 June 2024

One major factor that scientists believe contributed to the dwindling Iberian lynx population is an at-risk food supply. —Emma Ogao, ABC News, 21 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek; akin to Old English lox lynx and probably to Greek leukos white — more at light

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lynx

• Canada lynx
• Canadian lynx
• lynx-eyed

Kids Definition

lynx

noun

ˈliŋ(k)s 

plural lynx or lynxes

1

: a large North American wildcat with rather long legs, a short stubby black-tipped tail, a coat marked with spots and blotches, soft fur, ears with small bunches of long fur at the tip, and large padded feet

called also Canada lynx

2

: any of several related wildcats (as the bobcat)