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

Illustration of lynx

Examples of lynx in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The lynx is one of the few felines that are native to Alaska, while one of their direct competitors—the gray wolf—resides within the park as well, providing guests with an opportunity to marvel at one of North America’s most iconic native canines in the flesh. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 Elk, moose, deer, mountain lions, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves, lynx, bald eagles, and black and grizzly bears roam freely here. Brian Higgins, Outside Online, 20 Aug. 2025 The zoo is home to carnivorous predators such as the Asiatic lion, European lynx and Sumatran tiger. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2025 So sharp are his ears, when pricked up, that somebody, way back in the Leonard genealogy, must have made out with a lynx. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lynx

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lynx was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lynx.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lynx. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

lynx

noun
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on lynx

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!