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.
There are cougars and hippopotamuses. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 In the trail camera footage, which was captured on March 25, the cougars feed on a deer carcass. — Aki Nace, CBS News, 1 May 2026 The cougar would have done a good job of stripping off the main parts, then vultures and smaller animals would have cleaned up the leftovers. — Joan Morris, Mercury News, 1 June 2026 Native to North, Central and South America, cougars are among the continent’s largest wild cats and are known for their agility, strength and adaptability. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 June 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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Browse Nearby Words

Couette flow
cougar
cough
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Cite this Entry

“Cougar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cougar. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of cougar for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cougar

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