panther

noun

pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər How to pronounce panther (audio)
plural panthers also panther
Synonyms of panthernext
1
: leopard: such as
a
: a leopard of a hypothetical exceptionally large fierce variety
b
: a leopard of the black color phase
2
3
: jaguar

Examples of panther in a Sentence

the panther is surprisingly difficult to spot
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 panther statues are being auctioned through Charitybuzz. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026 Mountain lions are also known as cougars, pumas, panthers or catamounts, and there are projected to be 3,800 to 4,400 mountain lions currently in the wild in Colorado, the CPW noted. Mason Leath, ABC News, 2 Jan. 2026 The Panthers — a few hours before their Winter Classic outdoor game at the Miami Marlins’ ballpark against the New York Rangers — unveiled a couple dozen panther sculptures, all painted in a unique way and now being auctioned off with hopes of raising $1 million for cancer research. Tim Reynolds, Sun Sentinel, 2 Jan. 2026 For those unfamiliar with large international sporting events, like the World Cup, combine the moronic passion of a major college football game with the subtlety of a drunk panther with the judgment of a mother on her daughter’s wedding day. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for panther

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pantere, from Anglo-French panthere, from Latin panthera, from Greek panthēr

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of panther was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Panther.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panther. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

panther

noun
pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər How to pronounce panther (audio)
plural panthers also panther
1
: leopard
especially : one that is black
2
: cougar
3
: jaguar

More from Merriam-Webster on panther

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!