panther
panther — noun
- panthersingular
- panthersplural
1. a leopard whose fur looks black instead of the usual spotted yellow coat
a leopard whose fur looks black instead of the usual spotted yellow coat
Eshe photographed a panther drinking by the river at dusk.
The panther's black fur almost disappeared among the wet trees.
visual cue: black fur in dark cover
In the film, a panther leapt onto the rock above the waterfall.
Haruto watched the panther move silently across the dark forest path.
用法筆記
Usually the default meaning in general English. Distinguish from sense 2 and sense 3, which name different American big cats.
2. in North American use, a large wild cat like a mountain lion, with a plain tan o
in North American use, a large wild cat like a mountain lion, with a plain tan or grey coat
Rangers warned hikers that a panther had been seen near the canyon.
passive: had been seen near [place]
A panther jumped over the fence and vanished into the dry hills.
Mira froze when she noticed a panther above the trail.
The injured panther was later moved to a rescue centre.
- cougar
the most exact everyday name for this animal
- mountain lion
another common North American name, especially in news or wildlife writing
- puma
a more international or scientific label
用法筆記
Common in North American English. Distinguish from sense 1 for a black leopard and sense 3 for a jaguar.
3. in some American use, a jaguar, the large spotted wild cat of Central and South
in some American use, a jaguar, the large spotted wild cat of Central and South America
The guide pointed to a panther resting beside the muddy Amazon bank.
A young panther slipped through the grass before the boat came closer.
In Belize, villagers sometimes call a jaguar a panther.
Camera traps caught a panther walking past the forest pool at night.
用法筆記
Used mainly in Central and South American contexts. Distinguish from sense 1 for a black leopard and sense 2 for a cougar.