# snow leopard

CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/snow-leopard
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

a large, beautiful wild cat with thick, grey-white fur and dark spots that lives in the cold mountains of Central Asia. They are very rare and are famous for being hard to find.

For teachers: a large, long-tailed predatory feline native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, specifically adapted to cold, high-altitude environments. Characterised by thick, pale grey fur with dark rosettes.

## Examples

- The snow leopard lives high in the snowy mountains.
- Conservationists use motion-sensing cameras to track the snow leopard because the species is so elusive and perfectly camouflaged in the rocks.
- Known as the 'ghost of the mountains', the snow leopard occupies a vast, rugged habitat where its thick fur and wide, furry paws provide essential protection against the extreme alpine climate.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the singular with a definite article ('the snow leopard') when referring to the species as a whole.

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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.