puma

[pyoo-muh, poo-]

noun

1. cougar.

2. the fur of a cougar.

puma

/ ˈpjuːmə /

noun

1. Also called: cougar.  mountain lion. a large American feline mammal, Felis concolor, that resembles a lion, having a plain greyish-brown coat and long tail

Word History and Origins

Origin of puma¹

1770–80; < Spanish < Quechua

Word History and Origins

Origin of puma¹

C18: via Spanish from Quechuan

Example Sentences

For decades these animals – lions, tigers, pumas, cheetahs and jaguars – have been a sign of power, status and even political fealty in the country.

From BBC

Spanish authorities have arrested a couple suspected of selling exotic cats online, including protected species like white tigers, pumas and clouded leopards.

From BBC

Small puma populations have been isolated by the freeway, and their offspring were showing signs of birth defects.

From Los Angeles Times

But was the puma really to blame for the killings or an unwitting participant in an elaborate hoax, and why did big cat sightings continue after she was caught?

From BBC

The complaint included multiple time-stamped pictures of a puma on the property.

From Los Angeles Times