serval

[ sur-vuhl ]

noun

, plural ser·vals, (especially collectively) ser·val.

1. a long-limbed, nocturnal African cat, Felis serval, about the size of a bobcat, having a tawny coat spotted with black: now rare in many former habitats.

serval

/ ˈsɜːvəl /

noun

1. a slender feline mammal, Felis serval, of the African bush, having an orange-brown coat with black spots, large ears, and long legs

Word History and Origins

Origin of serval¹

1765–75; < New Latin < Portuguese ( lobo ) cerval lynx, literally, staglike (wolf ) < Late Latin cervālis deerlike, equivalent to Latin cerv ( us ) stag + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of serval¹

C18: via French from Late Latin cervālis staglike, from Latin cervus a stag

Example Sentences

The Macon County Animal Control and Care Center posted on Facebook Saturday that the serval had been found and brought in.

From Washington Times

Owner Christopher Solomon acquired the serval, named “Reese,” from outside the state just last month, and says the cat is a “great boy” — but also warns against letting small pets near the African wild cat.

From Washington Times

The warning covers serval major cities including Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol and Plymouth.

From BBC

This area – spanning parts of modern-day Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Iran and more – is home to numerous small cats, including the caracal, serval, jungle cat and sand cat.

From Salon

Julie Sheldon, clinical assistant professor of zoo medicine at the University of Tennessee, said a serval is a major responsibility that requires a balanced diet and specialized care beyond a house cat.

From Seattle Times