panda

noun

pan·​da ˈpan-də 

1

: red panda

2

: a large black-and-white mammal (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually classified with the bears (family Ursidae)

called also giant panda

Illustration of panda

• A red panda
• B panda 2

Examples of panda in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, bamboo is low in nutritional value, and pandas must spend most of their day eating to acquire enough nutrients. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Of course, the panda is really a symbol of growing up, generational trauma, and impending puberty — but kids will love this adorable fluffy metaphor nonetheless. —Meg Walters, EW.com, 19 June 2025

Despite the hormonal findings, the zoo stated Qing Bao isn't ready to mate just yet (and male pandas don't start mating until at least 5 years old). —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 May 2025

In a move reminiscent of China's diplomatic gesture in 1972, when the government allowed a pair of pandas to visit the National Zoo, Saudi Arabia will send two Arabian leopards to D.C. as part of a conservation program. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 6 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, perhaps from a language of the southeast Himalayas

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing panda

• giant panda
• lesser panda
• panda car
• red panda

Rhymes for panda

• banda
• ganda
• vanda
• aranda
• miranda
• veranda
• verandah
• jacaranda
• memoranda
• propaganda

Kids Definition

panda

noun

pan·​da ˈpan-də 

1

: red panda

2

: a large black and white mammal of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually considered to be closely related to the bears

called also giant panda