bobcat

1 of 2

noun

bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat 

: a common North American lynx (Lynx rufus) reddish in base color with dark markings

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

Noun

The district has seen several bobcats on their trial cams over the years and said that they are known to be in the area. — Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Her first stop was the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, a non-profit wildlife hospital and sanctuary dedicated to rescuing Florida’s native species, from bald eagles to bobcats. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

Then, in 2024, voters rejected a proposal that would have banned hunting mountain lions, bobcats and lynx. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

On previous survey nights that lasted until sunrise, the researchers have seen mule deer, bobcats, badgers and foxes prowling in the cover of the dark. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

bob entry 4; from the stubby tail

First Known Use

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bobcat

• begat
• chitchat
• doormat
• ducat
• eclat
• format
• hazmat
• muskrat
• nonfat
• polecat
• thereat
• tomcat

Kids Definition

bobcat

noun

bob·​cat ˈbäb-ˌkat 

: a common usually rusty-colored North American lynx with dark spots