cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər 

 also  -ˌgär

plural cougars also cougar

1

: a large powerful tawny-brown cat (Puma concolor synonym Felis concolor) formerly widespread in the Americas but now reduced in number or extinct in many areas

called also catamount, mountain lion, panther, puma

2

slang : a middle-aged woman seeking a romantic relationship with a younger man

Illustration of cougar

• cougar 1

Synonyms

• catamount
• cat-a-mountain
• mountain lion
• panther
• puma

Examples of cougar in a Sentence

in many regions, suburban developments have encroached upon the habitat of the cougar

Recent Examples on the Web

Family checked security footage to see how the cougar made its move After the event unfolded, Havener checked their security footage to see when the cougar first came into the camera’s view. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 17 May 2024

Along with the gray wolves, two golden eagles, a coyote and a cougar were killed from February through March in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said in a May 16 news release. —Helena Wegner, Idaho Statesman, 17 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

French couguar, modification of New Latin cuguacuarana, from Tupi sɨwasuarána, from sɨwásu deer + -ran resembling

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər 

 also  -ˌgär

plural cougars also cougar

: a large powerful brownish yellow cat formerly widespread in the Americas but no longer found in many areas

called also catamount, mountain lion, panther, puma