catamount

[ kat-uh-mount ]

noun

1. a wild animal of the cat family, especially the cougar or the lynx.
2. catamountain.

catamount

/ ˈkætəˌmaʊnt /

noun

1. any of various medium-sized felines, such as the puma or lynx

Word History and Origins

Origin of catamount¹

First recorded in 1655–65; short for catamountain

Word History and Origins

Origin of catamount¹

C17: short for cat of the mountain

Example Sentences

The mountain lion is known by more than 40 different common names, including puma, cougar, panther, red tiger, catamount and screamer, according to the state agency.

From New York Times

Throughout the story, beetles tunnel through the woodwork; blight fells the trees; a catamount, referenced in rumor or song, stalks the patch.

From Los Angeles Times

“They used to. They called them catamounts. Cat-o-the-Mountain. Like Catamount Street in town.”

From Literature

The lab report came back that it was indeed the scat of Felis concolor, the eastern mountain lion, also variously and respectfully known as the panther, cougar, puma, and, especially in New England, catamount.

From Literature

The mountain lion - also known as the cougar, panther, puma and catamount - has been studied closely since 1964.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• mountain lion
• panther