lynx

American  

[lingks] / lɪŋks /

noun

plural

lynxes,

plural

lynx,

genitive

Lyncis

1. any of several wildcats of the genus Lynx (orFelis ), having long limbs, a short tail, and usually tufted ears, especially L. lynx Canada lynx, of Canada and the northern United States, having grayish-brown fur marked with white.

2. (initial capital letter) a northern constellation between Ursa Major and Auriga.

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lynx ¹ British  

/ lɪŋks /

noun

1. a feline mammal, Felis lynx (or canadensis ), of Europe and North America, with grey-brown mottled fur, tufted ears, and a short tail

2. the fur of this animal

3. another name for bobcat

4. another name for caracal

5. Also called: Polish lynx.  a large fancy pigeon from Poland, with spangled or laced markings

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Lynx ² British  

/ lɪŋks /

noun

1. a faint constellation in the N hemisphere lying between Ursa Major and Cancer

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Other Word Forms

• lynxlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of lynx

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin, from Greek lýnx

Compare meaning

How does lynx compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• lynx vs. bobcat
• caracal vs. lynx

Example Sentences

A young Iberian lynx caught mid play has won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award 2026.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Three lynx that were found starving after being abandoned in the Highlands a year ago are now thriving in a wildlife park, say their keepers.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

A fourth lynx, a male, was also trapped but later died.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

On the Saturday it was confirmed the male lynx had died overnight.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

The other boy had several centimeters on Frankie, but Frankie had the lithe, compact build and ruthlessness of a Carpathian lynx.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

Related Words

• bobcat
• wildcat