cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər How to pronounce cougar (audio)
 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

Illustration of cougar
  • cougar 1

Examples of cougar in a Sentence

in many regions, suburban developments have encroached upon the habitat of the cougar
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.
Female cougars, on the other hand, don’t usually have to roam as far and wide. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025 Characteristics of panthers Florida panthers resemble the cougars and pumas found in the American West, with beige or tan fur and white markings underneath. CBS News, 3 Mar. 2025 Ventura County sheriff’s deputies arrived and spotted the cougar resting under a swing set in the backyard, the department said on Facebook. Brooke Baitinger, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2025 At lower elevations, visitors can find moose, elk and a wealth of other herbivores grazing along the grasslands, while truly fortunate visitors might catch a glimpse of a cougar surveying the forest for prey. Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cougar

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of cougar was in 1774

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Cite this Entry

“Cougar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cougar. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

cougar

noun
cou·​gar ˈkü-gər How to pronounce cougar (audio)
 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

More from Merriam-Webster on cougar

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