bobcat

1 of 2

noun

bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat How to pronounce bobcat (audio)
: a common North American lynx (Lynx rufus) reddish in base color with dark markings

Illustration of bobcat

Illustration of bobcat

Bobcat

2 of 2

trademark

used for a small 4-wheeled or tracklaying work vehicle (as for excavating or for lifting and moving loads)

Examples of bobcat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
What about scrub gopher tortoises, coyotes, and bobcats? Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Apr. 2025 An animal sanctuary in Washington reported losing 20 big cats including cougars and bobcats in late 2024 from the virus, while a harbor seal and Chilean flamingo were felled at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo in January. Karen Kucher, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025 Before going out at night, arm yourself with a flashlight because your neighborhood coyotes, bobcats, and foxes might want to admire your moonlight landscape, too. Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 The desert’s nocturnal residents—including bobcats, ringtails, and even the rare ocelot—emerge under the cover of darkness. Visit Tucson, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bobcat

Word History

Etymology

Noun

bob entry 4; from the stubby tail

First Known Use

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bobcat was in 1859

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Cite this Entry

“Bobcat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bobcat. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bobcat

noun
bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat How to pronounce bobcat (audio)
: a common usually rusty-colored North American lynx with dark spots

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