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

Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Maine Located in the former Loring Air Force Base, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is not only home to wildlife such as bald eagles and lynx, but also one of the best places in the state to see the Northern Lights. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

At stake, the report says, are migration corridors for elk, mule deer and Canada lynx, forests that remove carbon from the atmosphere, clean water, clean air and outdoor spaces that attract visitors to the benefit of the state’s economy. —John Meyer, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025

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

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)