# cheetah

/ˈtʃitə/ (US) · /tʃˈiːtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cheetah
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a large wild cat from Africa and parts of Iran that can run very fast. It has yellow fur with small black spots and long legs.

For teachers: a large, slender feline of the genus Acinonyx, native to Africa and central Iran. Noted for being the fastest land animal, it possesses a tawny coat with solid black spots and distinctive 'tear marks' running from the eyes to the mouth.

## Examples

- The cheetah runs across the grass to catch its prey.
- During the safari, we watched a cheetah use its incredible speed to hunt a gazelle on the open plains.
- Conservationists are working to protect the cheetah's remaining habitat, as the species requires vast territories to maintain its population and hunting grounds in the wild.

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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.