bobcat

[bob-kat]

noun

plural

bobcats ,

plural

bobcat .

1. a North American wildcat, Lynx rufus, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico, having a brownish coat with black spots.

bobcat

/ ˈbɒbˌkæt /

noun

1. Also called: bay lynx. a North American feline mammal, Lynx rufus , closely related to but smaller than the lynx, having reddish-brown fur with dark spots or stripes, tufted ears, and a short tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of bobcat¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; bob(tail) + cat ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bobcat¹

C19: from _bob ² (referring to its short tail) + _cat ¹

Example Sentences

In the Vermont woods where Mr. Hoagland lives, coyotes have replaced wolves while bobcats have taken the place of Canada lynx.

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I live in the foothills where bear, bobcat and mountain lion sightings break up the tedium of coyote and raccoon encounters.

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Predators such as bobcats may no longer be able to hunt for rodents and birds — tick hosts — in pocket parks or suburban landscapes.

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When it’s completed, the crossing will help animals such as mountain lions, deer and bobcats pass safely over the freeway.

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I’ve encountered a bobcat here and there, packs of coyotes and deer, but that was the first bear.

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Related Words

• kitten 
• kitty