puma

noun

pu·​ma ˈpü-mə  ˈpyü- 

plural pumas also puma

: cougar sense 1

also : the fur or pelt of a cougar

Synonyms of puma

• panther
• cougar

Examples of puma in a Sentence

adult pumas can sometimes weigh over 200 pounds

Recent Examples on the Web

The Tomkins’ conservation efforts have had a tremendous impact in terms of helping restore the puma, guanaco, Andean condor, and rhea (native ostrich) population. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Makini was a major attraction at the zoo's Big Cat Falls exhibit, which is also home to pumas, tigers and snow leopards. — Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026

The tragic ending of the young puma in San Dimas comes three months after a year-old female cougar and a 6-month-old male mountain lion were fatally struck by vehicles. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The researchers analyzed data from 503 camera traps and 59 GPS collars tracking pumas’ presence in Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula between 2020 and 2025. — Gennaro Tomma, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for puma

• duma
• pneuma
• suma
• summa
• uma
• satsuma

Kids Definition

puma

noun

pu·​ma ˈp(y)ü-mə 

plural pumas also puma

: cougar