# tiger

/ˈtaɪɡɝ/ (US) · /tˈaɪɡɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tiger
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the animal

noun · CEFR A1

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

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

- The tiger moved silently through the tall grass while hunting for its prey.
- Conservationists are working to expand protected corridors for the Siberian tiger, whose habitat has been severely fragmented by industrial logging.

### 2. a fierce person

noun · CEFR B2

someone who is very strong, energetic, or determined.

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

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

### 3. fast-growing economy

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a country whose economy is growing very quickly.

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

- Many investors are looking for opportunities in the new tiger economies of Southeast Asia.
- The report analyses how the original tiger economies transitioned from manufacturing-based growth to high-tech service sectors within a single generation.

### 4. Chinese zodiac

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- According to the Chinese zodiac, people born in the Year of the Tiger are often very brave.
- The festivities for the Lunar New Year featured elaborate decorations celebrating the Tiger, the sign governing the coming twelve-month cycle.

### 5. sports team member

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- The Tigers won their home game yesterday with a last-minute goal.
- Thousands of Tigers fans travelled to the stadium, painting their faces orange and black to support the team in the final.

## Examples

- The tiger hides in the tall grass to hunt.
- Wildlife photographers spent weeks in the jungle hoping to catch a glimpse of a wild tiger.
- Conservation efforts in the region have focused on preserving the natural corridors that allow the tiger to roam between protected forests without encountering human settlements.

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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.