Illustration of cougar
- cougar 1
plural cougars also cougar
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
Examples of cougar in a Sentence
in many regions, suburban developments have encroached upon the habitat of the cougar
Recent Examples on the Web
In one, a therapist-like figure helps a young man through a question about how to improve communication with his mother—then starts serving him ads for hot cougars in his area.
—
Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 8 Feb. 2026
Male cougars are extremely territorial, and two landowners located near each other accounted for nine of the 31 reports.
—CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
About 67 cougars are living in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, the DFW report estimates.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Jan. 2026
Travelers can easily spend the entire day exploring these captivating caverns, admiring the mystical stalagmites and stalactites and looking out for wildlife like bats and cougars.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cougar
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Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 8 Feb. 2026
Male cougars are extremely territorial, and two landowners located near each other accounted for nine of the 31 reports.
—CBS News, 29 Jan. 2026
About 67 cougars are living in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, the DFW report estimates.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 28 Jan. 2026
Travelers can easily spend the entire day exploring these captivating caverns, admiring the mystical stalagmites and stalactites and looking out for wildlife like bats and cougars.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cougar
Cite this Entry
“Cougar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cougar. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cougar
noun
cou·gar
ˈkü-gər 
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
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