: 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 alsocatamount, mountain lion, panther, puma
2
slang: a middle-aged woman seeking a romantic relationship with a younger man
in many regions, suburban developments have encroached upon the habitat of the cougar
Recent Examples on the WebFamily checked security footage to see how the cougar made its move
After the event unfolded, Havener checked their security footage to see when the cougar first came into the camera’s view.—Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 17 May 2024 Along with the gray wolves, two golden eagles, a coyote and a cougar were killed from February through March in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said in a May 16 news release.—Helena Wegner, Idaho Statesman, 17 May 2024 The North American cougar once roamed throughout the southern U.S., Elise Bennett, Florida and Caribbean director at the Center for Biological Diversity, told ABC News.—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 May 2024 The team worked with outside dental consultants to surgically repair the cougar’s jaw, then performed a root canal on the upper right canine a month later, officials said.—Brooke Baitinger, Sacramento Bee, 15 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for cougar
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cougar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
French couguar, modification of New Latin cuguacuarana, from Tupi sɨwasuarána, from sɨwásu deer + -ran resembling
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