plural pumas also puma
Synonyms of pumanext
: cougar sense 1
also : the fur or pelt of a cougar

Examples of puma in a Sentence

adult pumas can sometimes weigh over 200 pounds
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 department urged residents to stay away from the area while also securing pets and any outdoor food that could attract the puma. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 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 The team also discovered that deer are more active during the day in areas where pumas are present. Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026 Superpowered Marshal BraveStarr protects the planet of New Texas from various frontier bad guys, assisted by the eyes of the hawk, the ears of the wolf, the speed of the puma, and the strength of the bear. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for puma

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puma was in 1774

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puma. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

plural pumas also puma
: cougar

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