Leopard: meaning, definitions and examples

Leopards are usually referred to in the context of African wildlife or documentaries about big cats. They are known for their distinctive spotted coats.

• We saw a leopard resting on a tree during our safari in Kenya
• Leopards are skilled climbers and often haul their prey up into the branches

Panther can refer to any large felines with solid-colored coats like black or white, often used in literature and media to convey mystery or elegance. It is also sometimes used interchangeably with 'leopard' or 'cougar' depending on the region.

• The Black Panther is a symbol of power and grace in many cultures
• Marvel's Black Panther is a popular superhero with a large following

Jaguars are typically mentioned in the context of South and Central American wildlife. They are known for their powerful build and are less frequently spotted than leopards.

• While exploring the Amazon rainforest, we were lucky enough to spot a jaguar near the riverbank
• Jaguars are apex predators in their habitat

Catamount is an old-fashioned term mostly used in historical texts or regional dialects, particularly in North America. It's less common in modern language.

• The early settlers often spoke of encounters with the elusive catamount in the Appalachian mountains