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
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.
Noun
But the public lands where this cam shot was taken also hosts many bobcats as well as panthers. — Kelli Bender, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 Among the cases are an alligator in New York State, a loose bobcat in Georgia and flamingos west of the Mississippi River. — Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 The 360-acre preserve is home to a variety of mammals, including bobcats, raccoons, armadillos, opossums, rabbits and foxes. — Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025 And while our street was close enough to the national forest that bears and bobcats were not uncommon sights, it was also separated from it by a dry arroyo and five blocks of houses in between. — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 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

Rhymes for bobcat

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Browse Nearby Words

Bobcat
bobcat
bobeche
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Cite this Entry

“Bobcat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bobcat. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

bobcat

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

More from Merriam-Webster on bobcat

Nglish: Translation of bobcat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bobcat

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