lynx

noun

ˈliŋ(k)s 

plural lynx or lynxes

1

: any of several wildcats (genus Lynx) with relatively long legs, a short stubby tail, mottled coat, and usually tufted ears: 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

The sanctuary is home to a variety of feline species, including jaguars, lions, leopards and lynxes. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

The wildlife sanctuary off off Highway 180 in Dunlap serves as a home to a variety of feline species, including leopards, lynxes and lions. — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Similar urinary compounds were also found in lions, leopards, tigers, lynxes, jaguars, and other feline species. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026

Together, three generations of naturalists wait in blinds for the appearance of lynx, deer, owls, and the near-mythical capercaillie. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for lynx

• binks
• blinks
• chinks
• drinks
• hinks
• inks
• jinks
• jinx
• kinks
• links
• minks
• pinks

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)