ocelot

noun

: a medium-sized American wildcat (Leopardus pardalis synonym Felis pardalis) that ranges from Texas to northern Argentina and has a tawny-yellow or grayish coat dotted and striped with black

Illustration of ocelot

Illustration of ocelot

Examples of ocelot 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.
Photos of ocelots earn 1,500 pesos (~$78), pumas 1,000 pesos (~$52), and bobcats 5,000 pesos (~$26). Benji Jones, Vox, 21 May 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 An ocelot with what looks like a mouse in its mouth. Benji Jones, Vox, 21 May 2025 Other scavengers — pumas, ocelots, caiman, and coyotes — were rarely spotted. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ocelot

Word History

Etymology

French, from Nahuatl ōcēlōtl jaguar

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ocelot was in 1774

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ocelot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ocelot. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

ocelot

noun
: a medium-sized American wildcat that is found from Texas to northern Argentina and has a tawny yellow or grayish coat marked with black

More from Merriam-Webster on ocelot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!