ringtail

noun

ring·​tail ˈriŋ-ˌtāl 

1

: raccoon

2

: a carnivore (Bassariscus astutus) of the western U.S. and Mexico that is related to and resembles the raccoon

called also cacomistle, civet cat, ringtail cat, ringtailed cat

3

: capuchin sense 3

Examples of ringtail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ringtails, also called ringtail cats, were caught on trail cameras in the Rock Creek Canyon area south of Twin Falls in 2023. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026

Arizona also boasts unique species like the roadrunner, the state mammal ringtail, and the pronghorn antelope. — Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025

The desert’s nocturnal residents—including bobcats, ringtails, and even the rare ocelot—emerge under the cover of darkness. — Visit Tucson, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025

Kids will love the 30-minute Running Wild show, which brings a skunk, ringtail cat, porcupine, pelican and a few macaws on stage. — Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ringtail

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email