serval

noun

ser·​val ˈsər-vəl How to pronounce serval (audio)
(ˌ)sər-ˈval
: a long-legged African wildcat (Leptailurus serval) having large ears and a tawny black-spotted coat

Illustration of serval

Illustration of serval

Examples of serval in a Sentence

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.
The group also notes that servals are proficient hunters, with a success rate of about 90%. — Rhiannon Saegert, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2025 Habimana points out a camera trap; fixed to a gate less than a mile from the lodge's villas, its lens has captured serval cats, African buffalo, and bushbuck. — Noo Saro-Wiwa, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2023 The center confirmed in a Friday Facebook post that the virus had killed five African servals, four bobcats, four cougars and two Canada lynx. — Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 25 Dec. 2024 According to the African Wildlife Foundation, serval cats are most commonly found on savannas and possess long necks and legs that enable them to see over tall grass. — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for serval

Word History

Etymology

French, from Portuguese lobo cerval lynx, from Medieval Latin lupus cervalis, literally, deerlike wolf

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of serval was in 1834

Rhymes for serval

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Browse Nearby Words

serv
serval
servaline
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Cite this Entry

“Serval.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/serval. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on serval

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about serval

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