bobcat

[ bob-kat ]

noun

, plural bob·cats, (especially collectively) bob·cat.

1. a North American wildcat, Lynx rufus, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico, having a brownish coat with black spots.

bobcat

/ ˈbɒbˌkæt /

noun

1. a North American feline mammal, Lynx rufus , closely related to but smaller than the lynx, having reddish-brown fur with dark spots or stripes, tufted ears, and a short tail Also calledbay lynx

Word History and Origins

Origin of bobcat¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; bob(tail) + cat ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bobcat¹

C19: from bob ² (referring to its short tail) + cat ¹

Example Sentences

The government funded a study spraying bobcat urine at alcoholic rats!

From Slate

OK, yes, maybe you still have questions about the bobcat pee thing.

From Slate

People seem very upset about the idea that the government is spending money spraying bobcat pee on rats, but here’s the thing: There are many rodent studies that waft bobcat pee, cat hair, fox odor, and more at mice.

From Slate

“Table Mountain is our favorite place to camp with the dog and get him out of town away from the July 4th firework noise. One time when leaving, we saw a bobcat sprinting across the road! Plus just a quiet and relaxing place.”

From Los Angeles Times

“This is a community recovering from wildfires — particularly the Bobcat fire — and this is a blow.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• kitten
• kitty