bobcat

1 of 2

noun

bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat How to pronounce bobcat (audio)
: a common North American lynx (Lynx rufus) reddish in base color with dark markings

Illustration of bobcat

Illustration of bobcat

Bobcat

2 of 2

trademark

—used for a small 4-wheeled or tracklaying work vehicle (as for excavating or for lifting and moving loads)

Examples of bobcat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The cat haven has been operating for 28 years and houses 39 cat species, including cheetahs, bobcats, clouded leopards, cougars and snow leopards. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 One particularly striking work shows a close-up shot of a bobcat by photographer Jon Burket. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 Signage along the trail informs users of the wildlife that make the sanctuary their home, like the ebony jewelwing damselfly, Osage copperhead snake and even bobcats. — Nick Wagner, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 Been seeing a lot of white tail deer and the occasional gator, bobcat, hog, and even a coyote a few weeks ago! — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bobcat

Word History

Etymology

Noun

bob entry 4; from the stubby tail

First Known Use

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bobcat was in 1859

Rhymes for bobcat

See All Rhymes for bobcat

Browse Nearby Words

bobby-soxer
bobcat
Bobcat
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Cite this Entry

“Bobcat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bobcat. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bobcat

noun
bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat How to pronounce bobcat (audio)
: a common usually rusty-colored North American lynx with dark spots

More from Merriam-Webster on bobcat

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bobcat

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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