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tiger

n.
US //ˈtaɪɡɝ// UK //tˈaɪɡɐ// tiger
  1. 1 the animal (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a large wild cat from Asia that has orange fur with black stripes.

    a large carnivorous mammal, Panthera tigris, native to Asia and characterised by a tawny coat with dark transverse stripes.

    Example

    The tiger moved silently through the tall grass while hunting for its prey.

    Example

    Conservationists are working to expand protected corridors for the Siberian tiger, whose habitat has been severely fragmented by industrial logging.
  2. 2 a fierce person (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who is very strong, energetic, or determined.

    a person regarded as possessing the qualities of a tiger, such as ferocity, courage, or relentless energy.

    Example

    She is a real tiger in the boardroom and never backs down from a challenge.

    Example

    The young lawyer earned a reputation as a tiger in the courtroom, known for his aggressive cross-examinations and refusal to concede even minor points.
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  1. 3 fast-growing economy (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    a country whose economy is growing very quickly.

    a country or region experiencing rapid economic growth, particularly used in reference to several nations in East and Southeast Asia.

    Example

    Many investors are looking for opportunities in the new tiger economies of Southeast Asia.

    Example

    The report analyses how the original tiger economies transitioned from manufacturing-based growth to high-tech service sectors within a single generation.
    • emerging market
    • economic power
  2. 4 Chinese zodiac (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Religion

    the third animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar.

    the third sign of the Chinese zodiac, representing those born in specific years and associated with bravery and unpredictability.

    Example

    According to the Chinese zodiac, people born in the Year of the Tiger are often very brave.

    Example

    The festivities for the Lunar New Year featured elaborate decorations celebrating the Tiger, the sign governing the coming twelve-month cycle.

  3. 5 sports team member (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Sport

    a player or fan of a sports team that uses a tiger as its mascot.

    a member, supporter, or affiliate of a sports club whose nickname or mascot is a tiger, such as Hull City or Richmond.

    Example

    The Tigers won their home game yesterday with a last-minute goal.

    Example

    Thousands of Tigers fans travelled to the stadium, painting their faces orange and black to support the team in the final.

Etymology 1

From Middle English tygre, in part from Old English tigras (pl.), in part from Anglo-Norman tigre, both from Latin tigris, from Ancient Greek τίγρις (tígris), from Iranian (compare Avestan 𐬙𐬌𐬔𐬭𐬌 (tigri, “arrow”), 𐬙𐬌𐬖𐬭𐬀 (tiγra, “pointed”)). Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *(s)teyg- (“to pierce, prick, be sharp”). Compare English stick.

Etymology 2

From the mascot of Princeton (a tiger), which led to early cheerleaders calling out "Tiger" at the end of a cheer for the Princeton team.

Word family
Idioms6 entries

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