Wondering what cougar means? Or how to use it in a sentence? We’ll tell you. Read on to get the scoop on this popular slang word.

When someone mentions the word “cougar,” what typically comes to mind?

Do you think about mountain lions or pumas? How about an older woman on the prowl for a much younger man? Believe it or not, you wouldn’t be incorrect for thinking either of these two things.

Interested in learning more? We can help. Read on as we explore the word cougar to uncover its definition, origin, synonyms, and antonyms.

What Is the Definition of Cougar?

cou·gar | \ ˈkü-gər also -ˌgär \

According to the Macmillan Dictionary, a cougar is the name of a large wild cat that lives in mountain areas of South and North America. This word can also refer to an older woman — typically in her 40s — who is on the hunt for a sexual relationship with a younger man.

The word cougar may sound like an insult, but it’s typically not used in a derogatory way. In fact, for many women who consider themselves a cougar, the title carries a connotation of being sexy, if a little predatory. Of course, everyone is different, so be sure to put some thought into your decision to use the term before you decide to blurt it out!

What Is the Origin of Cougar?

The origin of cougar as a slang word is a bit hazy. Still, it’s believed to have originated in Western Canada, where it first appeared in print on the popular Canadian dating website Cougardate.com.

Another theory is that it originated in Vancouver, British Columbia, as a put-down for older ladies who go to bars or clubs and go home with whoever is left at the end of the night.

What Are the Synonyms and Antonyms of Cougar?

Now that you understand what our word of the day means, let’s take a look at some synonyms and antonyms.

Not to get confused with the beloved kitchen spice cinnamon, synonyms are words that have the same or nearly the same meaning. Synonyms of cougar include:

Mountain lion
Panther
Puma
Old woman
Distinguished
Mommy (DDLG)
Felis concolor
Catamount
Felis
Mama
Cat-a-mountain
Sexy
Wild cat
MILF
Bobcat
Menopausal women
Big cat
Experienced
Feline
Jaguar
Frisky
Alley cat

In contrast, an antonym is a word opposite in meaning to another. Antonyms of cougar include:

Young women
Child
Asexual
Kitten
Dog
Baby
Housecat
Wolf
Toyboy
Infant
Toddler

How Can You Use Cougar in a Sentence?

Cougar refers to an older woman on the prowl for a younger “cub” or a large wild cat. Wondering how to use it in a sentence? Check out these usage examples listed below:

“My favorite animal is a cougar — what’s yours?”

“Some people don’t think cougar dating is appropriate, but who are they to judge?”

“Have you ever seen a wild cougar in the preserve behind your house?”

“Since all of the city’s moms meet for karaoke on Thursdays, the establishment earned the nickname cougar town.”

“Andre’s mom is from France — so that makes her a french cougar, right?”

“If you’re looking for cougar dating tips, I suggest searching online.”

“There’s just about nothing more adorable than a baby cougar!”

“ Cougar dating is a major trend in Canada.”

“You are the hottest cougar I’ve ever seen.”

“After we fed the giraffes, we saw the cougars, used the bathroom, and left the zoo.”

“A cougar is a large, powerful tawny cat (Puma concolor) with a slender body and long tail.”

“The cougar had a limp, so I think he was injured.”

“My high school’s mascot is a cougar.”

“Demi Moore is the epitome of a cougar.”

“Generally speaking, I prefer dating cougars over really young people. I enjoy mature conversation rather than clubbing from sundown to sun up.”

“I’m sorry — I don’t like older men or even young men. You see, I prefer cougars.”

What Are Translations of Cougar?

Don’t get caught overseas without being able to cat-call your favorite cougar — here are some of the most common translations:

Chinese (Traditional) — 美洲獅, 與青年男子有性關係的歲數較大的女人
Spanish — puma
Norwegian — puma (masculine), kuguar
Ukrainian — пума, кугуар
Indonesian — singa gunung
Portuguese — onça-parda, puma (masculine)
French — cougar (masculine), puma
Chinese (Simplified) — 美洲狮, 与青年男子有性关系的岁数较大的女人

Are There Any Famous Cougars?

There are a ton of famous cougars prowling the earth! Some of our favorite sexy ladies include:

Demi Moore
Joan Collins
Susan Sarandon
Naomi Watts
Madonna
Courteney Cox
Gabrielle Union
Sandra Bullock
Eva Mendes
Sharon Stone
Jennifer Aniston
Tina Turner

Conclusion

Although the word cougar is the name of a large wild feline that lives in North and South America, it can also refer to a woman seeking sexual activity with younger men.

Want to be a cougar? Access your inner bad girl and abandon your outmoded standards of good taste. Cougars are women in their late thirties or forties who are successful, hot, independent, and ready to meet some younger men.

Remember, being a cougar is all about attitude. So hold your head high and be confident — you got this!

Sources:

Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.