# lynx

/ˈɫɪŋks/ (US) · /lˈɪŋks/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lynx
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a wild cat with thick fur, a short tail, and tufts of black hair on its ears. It lives in cold forests and is known for its excellent eyesight.

For teachers: a medium-sized wild cat of the genus Lynx, characterized by short tails, tufted ears, and large padded paws for walking on snow.

## Examples

- The lynx hides in the thick forest snow.
- Hikers in the northern mountains rarely see a lynx because the animal is extremely shy and well-camouflaged.
- Conservation efforts have successfully reintroduced the Iberian lynx to parts of its former habitat, though the species remains vulnerable to the fragmentation of its hunting grounds.

## Usage notes

- The plural can be either 'lynx' or 'lynxes'.

---

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.