# puma

/ˈpumə/ (US) · /pˈuːmɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

a large, wild cat with light brown fur that lives in the mountains and forests of North and South America.

For teachers: a large, tawny-colored wild cat native to the Americas, also known as a mountain lion or cougar.

## Examples

- The puma moved silently through the mountain forest.
- Hikers are warned to stay on the trail to avoid disturbing the local puma population.
- Conservationists track the puma across vast territories to understand how urban expansion affects the migratory patterns of these solitary predators.

## Usage notes

- Often used interchangeably with 'cougar' or 'mountain lion' depending on the geographical region.

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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.