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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are black panthers, a melanistic version of a leopard, Panthera pardus, or jaguar, Panthera onca. Elizabeth Carlen, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024 Grab any black wildcat or panther costume, add some red details around the nose, eyebrows and ears, and throw on some UC gear. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for panther 

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 23 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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