panther

noun

pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər How to pronounce panther (audio)
plural panthers also panther
1
: leopard: such as
a
: a leopard of a hypothetical exceptionally large fierce variety
b
: a leopard of the black color phase
2
3
: jaguar

Examples of panther in a Sentence

the panther is surprisingly difficult to spot
Recent Examples on the Web In black and white, my goober cats are stunning panthers. Victoria Song, The Verge, 25 Sep. 2024 Gather filmed proof of the existence of a much-fabled local panther and collect the $50,000 prize offered to any fearless explorer who succeeds in the mission. Tomris Laffly, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024 While their coloring is usually spotted, similar to that of a leopard, around 11 percent of jaguars are the rarer variety, known as the black panther. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 27 Sep. 2024 Read on for more, including a look at Florida's endangered panthers and a story about why osprey chicks around the Chesapeake Bay face an uncertain future. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for panther 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'panther.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pantere, from Anglo-French panthere, from Latin panthera, from Greek panthēr

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of panther was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near panther

Cite this Entry

“Panther.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/panther. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

panther

noun
pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər How to pronounce panther (audio)
plural panthers also panther
1
: leopard
especially : one that is black
2
: cougar
3
: jaguar

More from Merriam-Webster on panther

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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