cheetah

noun

chee·​tah ˈchē-tə 

plural cheetahs also cheetah

: a long-legged, swift-moving cat (Acinonyx jubatus) about the size of a small leopard with a yellowish to tan coat covered with numerous round to oval black spots and blunt claws that only partially retract and having a current range restricted to Africa and isolated parts of Iran

Illustration of cheetah

Did you know?

A cheetah is a slender, long-legged cat that lives on the plains of Africa and in the Middle East, where it is threatened with extinction. It is the fastest land animal in the world over short distances and can reach a speed of 60 mph (100 kph). Its claws differ from those of other cats in being only partly retractable and lacking protective sheaths. Cheetahs purr rather than roar. Cheetahs grow to about 55 in. (140 cm) long, excluding the 29-31-in. (75-80-cm) tail, and weigh 110-130 lbs. (50-60 kg). Their coarse fur is sandy yellow above, white below, and covered with small black spots; a black streak runs down the face from the corner of each eye.

Examples of cheetah in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As of late the artist has been experimenting with many different styles ranging from bodysuits worn with furry knee-high boots to curve-hugging dresses paired with a cheetah print shrugged cardigan. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025

Her ears were pulled back with a cheetah print headband. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

But the Cavalli corset—the cheetah look with the hat, which was the first shot of the day—has actually been saved on my Pinterest mood board for years. —Irene Kim, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025

The dress — which is a vintage look from Azzedine Alaïa’s fall 1991 collection, per Vogue — features a sheer cheetah print with black velvet lining and cups and a black velvet skirt with a paneled hem. —Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Hindi cītā & Urdu chītā leopard, from Sanskrit citraka, from citra bright, variegated; akin to Old High German heitar bright — more at -hood

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cheetah

noun

chee·​tah ˈchēt-ə 

: a long-legged spotted African and formerly Asian cat that is the fastest of all animals on land