panda

noun

pan·​da ˈpan-də 

1

: red panda

2

: a large black-and-white mammal (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually classified with the bears (family Ursidae)

called also giant panda

Illustration of panda

• A red panda
• B panda 2

Examples of panda in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The birthday edition coincides with a monthlong celebration across Hong Kong aimed at panda fans and visitors. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 28 July 2025

For a chance to spot a wild panda, take a trip further out to Wolong Nature Reserve, where visitors can hike among the bamboo in the animals’ native habitat. —Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Siblings Karl, Addy and Michael have a special nextdoor neighbor named Stillwater, a wise panda whose friendship and stories give them new perspectives on the world, themselves and each other. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 31 July 2025

Despite their name, red pandas are not technically pandas — or bears at all. —Toria Sheffield, People.com, 22 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, perhaps from a language of the southeast Himalayas

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing panda

• giant panda
• lesser panda
• panda car
• red panda

Rhymes for panda

• banda
• ganda
• vanda
• aranda
• miranda
• veranda
• verandah
• jacaranda
• memoranda
• propaganda

Kids Definition

panda

noun

pan·​da ˈpan-də 

1

: red panda

2

: a large black and white mammal of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually considered to be closely related to the bears

called also giant panda