Cougar: meaning, definitions and examples

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cougar

[ˈkuːɡər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

wildlife

A large, powerful, tawny-brown cat native to the Americas, known for its strength and agility. Cougars are solitary animals and primarily hunt deer and other small mammals.

Synonyms

mountain lion, puma.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cougar	Cougar is commonly used in North America to refer to a large wild cat found primarily in mountainous regions. It is also widely known in popular culture and general conversation. Informally, it can also have a negative connotation when used to describe an older woman who seeks romantic relationships with much younger men. We spotted a cougar near our campsite in the Rockies. She was labeled a 'cougar' for dating a man 20 years her junior.
mountain lion	Mountain lion is often used in more formal or technical contexts, particularly when describing the animal in nature documentaries, educational materials, and scientific discussions. The mountain lion roams across a wide range of habitats from forests to deserts. National parks have taken measures to protect the mountain lion population.
puma	Puma is a term more commonly used outside of North America and in scientific contexts. It's frequently used in South America, where the animal is widely found, and among biologists and zoologists. The puma is an incredibly adaptive predator, found in varied ecosystems across the Americas. In Argentina, the puma is known as the great hunter of the mountains.

Word

Description / Examples

cougar

Cougar is commonly used in North America to refer to a large wild cat found primarily in mountainous regions. It is also widely known in popular culture and general conversation. Informally, it can also have a negative connotation when used to describe an older woman who seeks romantic relationships with much younger men.

We spotted a cougar near our campsite in the Rockies.
She was labeled a 'cougar' for dating a man 20 years her junior.

mountain lion

Mountain lion is often used in more formal or technical contexts, particularly when describing the animal in nature documentaries, educational materials, and scientific discussions.

The mountain lion roams across a wide range of habitats from forests to deserts.
National parks have taken measures to protect the mountain lion population.

puma

Puma is a term more commonly used outside of North America and in scientific contexts. It's frequently used in South America, where the animal is widely found, and among biologists and zoologists.

The puma is an incredibly adaptive predator, found in varied ecosystems across the Americas.
In Argentina, the puma is known as the great hunter of the mountains.

Examples of usage

The cougar silently stalked its prey through the forest.
Despite its size, the cougar moved with grace and speed.
The cougar is also known as a mountain lion or puma.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'cougar' originates from the Portuguese word 'çúcar,' which means 'hunter.'
Earlier, the animal was referred to as ‘puma,’ from the Inca word 'puma,' meaning 'powerful.'

Habitat and Ecology

Cougars are adaptable and can be found in various environments, from forests to deserts to mountains.
They are solitary animals and usually live alone, marking their territory with scratch marks and scent.

Cultural Significance

In some Native American cultures, this animal is viewed as a symbol of strength and courage.
Modern culture often uses the term 'cougar' to refer to older women who romantically pursue younger men, reflecting societal views on age and relationships.

Conservation Status

Once heavily hunted, cougars are now protected in many regions and have rebounded in their populations.
Conservationists emphasize the importance of cougars for maintaining the balance of local ecosystems.

Behavior

Cougars are known for their stealth and are often referred to as 'ghosts of the woods' due to their ability to move silently.
They can leap up to 15 feet in the air, showcasing their impressive agility and power.

Translations

Translations of the word "cougar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 puma

🇮🇳 प्यूमा

🇩🇪 Puma

🇮🇩 puma

🇺🇦 пума

🇵🇱 puma

🇯🇵 ピューマ

🇫🇷 puma

🇪🇸 puma

🇹🇷 puma

🇰🇷 퓨마

🇸🇦 بوما

🇨🇿 puma

🇸🇰 puma

🇨🇳 美洲狮

🇸🇮 puma

🇮🇸 púma

🇰🇿 пума

🇬🇪 პუმა

🇦🇿 puma

🇲🇽 puma

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,161 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30158 perceptually
30159 boobs
30160 teemed
30161 cougar
30162 begone
30163 wayfarer
30164 adulterer
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