cheetah

[ chee-tuh ]

noun

1. a cat, Acinonyx jubatus, of southwestern Asia and Africa, resembling a leopard but having certain doglike characteristics, often trained for hunting deer, antelope, etc.: an endangered species.

cheetah

/ ˈtʃiːtə /

noun

1. a large feline mammal, Acinonyx jubatus, of Africa and SW Asia: the swiftest mammal, having very long legs, nonretractile claws, and a black-spotted light-brown coat

Word History and Origins

Origin of cheetah¹

1695–1705; < Hindi cītā < Sanskrit citraka leopard; compare Pali cittaka, Prakrit cittaya

Word History and Origins

Origin of cheetah¹

C18: from Hindi cītā, from Sanskrit citrakāya tiger, from citra bright, speckled + kāya body

Example Sentences

A baby cheetah cub is being hand-fed by caretakers for several weeks at the National Zoo’s sister facility in Virginia after its siblings were stillborn and its mother abandoned it.

From Washington Post

Scientists believe that this genetic mechanism could help explain the beautiful patterns found on other large felines like tigers, leopards, and cheetahs.

From Popular-Science

In his hometown of Bremen, he had worked at the local zoo, caring for a cheetah named Chico.

From Washington Post

I wanted to be part of his act, and I wanted to find a way to be with my cheetah again.

From Washington Post

Playing cheetah cubs frequently scare off prey by chasing each other or by clambering over their stalking mother.

From Nautilus

In the Middle East, a cheetah riding shotgun in the plush leather seat of a luxury sports car is the ultimate status symbol.

From The Daily Beast

Sharing the stage with Bators was Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Chrome.

From The Daily Beast

According to his mother, Horowitz was inspired by a Cheetah Girls concert he attended at age 7.

From The Daily Beast

The cheetah, the tiger, and even the wild cats who live by killing, leave no trace behind.

From Project Gutenberg

I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and a baboon.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders at any moment.

From Project Gutenberg

One member of our family has always wanted a cheetah or hunting leopard.

From Project Gutenberg

The cheetah or hunting leopard (Cynaelurus jubatus) must be carefully distinguished from the leopard proper.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bobcat
• caracal
• cougar
• jaguar
• leopard
• lion
• lynx
• mountain lion
• ocelot
• panther
• puma
• tiger
• wildcat