DictionaryAI

panther

noun
USPAN-ther/ˈpænθɚ/UKPAN-thuh/ˈpænθə/

Pluralpanthers

5 meanings of panther

Practice

  1. 1
    nouncountable
    A big wild cat with black fur, especially a black leopard.

    The panther was so black that we could hardly see it.

    A black panther is really a leopard with very dark fur.

    Note
  2. 2
    nouncountable
    A cougar, especially one of the cougars that live in Florida.

    A panther was seen near a farm in southern Florida.

    Signs in Florida tell drivers to slow down because panthers cross the road here.

    Similarcougar, puma

  3. 3
    big cat groupnouncountable
    Any of the big wild cats in the group called Panthera.

    The tiger is the biggest panther of all.

    Scientists count the lion as a kind of panther.

  4. 4
    dates older mennounslangcountable
    A young woman who goes after older men to date them.

    Oppositecougar

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 5
    noun
    In myths and on coats of arms, a big-cat-like beast that gives off fire and often has colorful fur.

Practice

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Origin

From Greek pánthēr, meaning “panther”, through Latin and French.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts