cougar

noun

cou·​gar ˈkü-gər How to pronounce cougar (audio)
also -ˌgär
plural cougars also cougar
Synonyms of cougarnext
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 partner

Illustration of cougar

Illustration of cougar
  • cougar 1

Synonyms of cougar

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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.
Lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars and any hybrid of these species is protected. — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 28 Aug. 2026 Erielhonan means long tail, referring to the Eastern cougar, according to EGLE. — Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The cat haven has been operating for 28 years and houses 39 cat species, including cheetahs, bobcats, clouded leopards, cougars and snow leopards. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 In the realm of big cats, the Central Florida Zoo is home to two cheetahs, an Amur leopard and two cougar cubs from South Dakota that arrived at the zoo at 10 weeks old earlier this summer. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for cougar

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Couette flow
cougar
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Cite this Entry

“Cougar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cougar. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cougar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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