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Cheetah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cheetah

[หˆสงiหtษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal species

The cheetah is a large feline known for its exceptional speed and agility, making it the fastest land animal. They are characterized by their slender bodies, long legs, and distinctive black spots on a tan coat. Cheetahs primarily hunt during the day and rely on their eyesight to spot prey, which typically includes small to medium-sized ungulates.

Synonyms

Acinonyx jubatus, big cat.

Examples of usage

  • The cheetah raced across the savannah.
  • She spotted a cheetah resting under a tree.
  • Cheetahs are known for their incredible acceleration.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'cheetah'

The word 'cheetah' is derived from the Hindi word 'chฤซtฤ', which means 'spotted one'. This, in turn, comes from the Sanskrit word 'citraka', meaning 'variegated' or 'spotted'. The term was adopted into English in the late 18th century as the name for this remarkable species that has fascinated humans for centuries due to its unique hunting abilities and physical prowess. Cheetahs have been known to humans for a long time, with evidence of their presence in ancient art and literature. They were historically used in hunting by nobility in various cultures, including ancient Egypt and Persia, emphasizing their importance in human history and their relationship with humans. The cheetah's adaptation to its environment and its reliance on speed over strength has made it a subject of study in both ecology and animal behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,883 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.