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

About 26 animals remained behind in Big Bear, including bears, bobcats, mountain lions, snow leopards and wolves.

From Los Angeles Times

However, she said it is a wildlife corridor for mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, bobcats and the occasional bear.

From Los Angeles Times

Things get weirder and more delightful with a bobcat and bear band, where instruments are fashioned out of logs and vegetation, and later some Afro-Cuban frogs jamming out with acorns.

From Los Angeles Times

A bill awaiting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature could take off the market one of the most commonly used rat poisons that are ingested by raptors, mountain lions, bobcats and other wildlife.

From Los Angeles Times

Living on the western edge of Griffith Park, they were accustomed to seeing wildlife — coyotes, bobcats, deer, foxes — wandering into their backyard.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• kitten
• kitty