panther

noun

pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər 

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

: cougar sense 1 compare florida panther

3

: jaguar

Synonyms

• cougar
• puma

Examples of panther in a Sentence

the panther is surprisingly difficult to spot

Recent Examples on the Web

Roughly 70% of panthers killed by vehicles are under 3 years old, according to FWC data. —Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025

Likewise in still versions of the campaign, headed for billboards and print media, diptychs show the panther in poses that echo the shape of magnified letters. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2025

The survey sought to assess the public pulse of restoring pumas in Eastern states except for Florida (which has its own panther population). —Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

The King and Queen’s country estate, Highgrove House, is reportedly being stalked by a large panther. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Aug. 2025

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

Phrases Containing panther

• Florida panther

Rhymes for panther

• anther

Kids Definition

panther

noun

pan·​ther ˈpan(t)-thər 

plural panthers also panther

1

: leopard

especially : one that is black

2

: cougar

3

: jaguar