serval

noun

ser·​val ˈsər-vəl 

(ˌ)sər-ˈval

: a long-legged African wildcat (Leptailurus serval) having large ears and a tawny black-spotted coat

Illustration of serval

Examples of serval in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The group also notes that servals are proficient hunters, with a success rate of about 90%. — Rhiannon Saegert, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2025

Habimana points out a camera trap; fixed to a gate less than a mile from the lodge's villas, its lens has captured serval cats, African buffalo, and bushbuck. — Noo Saro-Wiwa, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2023

The center confirmed in a Friday Facebook post that the virus had killed five African servals, four bobcats, four cougars and two Canada lynx. — Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 25 Dec. 2024

According to the African Wildlife Foundation, serval cats are most commonly found on savannas and possess long necks and legs that enable them to see over tall grass. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Portuguese lobo cerval lynx, from Medieval Latin lupus cervalis, literally, deerlike wolf

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for serval

• chervil
• nerval
• servile