# King of the Jungle

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/king-of-the-jungle
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The lion; Panthera leo.

## Examples

- The lion is known as the king of the jungle.
- Visitors at the zoo watched the large male lion, often called the king of the jungle, as he rested in the shade.
- In many cultural myths and fables, the lion is depicted as the noble king of the jungle, ruling over all other creatures with strength and authority.

## Origin

Referring to the lion being a top predator in Africa, which was depicted in Western pop culture as a jungle.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.