puma

noun

plural pumas also puma
: cougar sense 1
also : the fur or pelt of a cougar

Examples of puma in a Sentence

adult pumas can sometimes weigh over 200 pounds
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.
Part of the reason for an increase in panthers deaths from vehicles is that the panther population itself began increasing after 1995, when the introduction of pumas from Texas helped inbreeding issues and restored the small and sick population, the FWC said. Olivia Lloyd updated July 8, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025 Other photos show the pumas walking past at a distance or briefly poking their heads into the frame. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025 Early morning bird spotting session and late evening lectures on puma tracking. Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 However, the puma species overall, Puma concolor, is the most widespread land mammal in the Americas, ranging from Canada to Patagonia. Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puma

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Quechua

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puma was in 1774

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puma. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

puma

noun
pu·​ma ˈp(y)ü-mə How to pronounce puma (audio)
plural pumas also puma
: cougar

More from Merriam-Webster on puma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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