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Definition of binturong
binturong
/ˈbɪn.tuː.rɑːŋ/
bin · tu · rong
Plural:binturongs
binturong Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
11
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
binturong Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A large, arboreal mammal of the civet family native to the dense forests of South and Southeast Asia, notable for its coarse black hair, prehensile tail, and a distinctive musky scent that resembles buttered popcorn.
Example
"During our night safari in the tropical rainforest, we were lucky enough to spot a binturong slowly navigating the high forest canopy."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for binturongWord Nuance & Usage
Although frequently referred to as a 'bearcat', the binturong is neither a bear nor a cat; it is actually a viverrid, closely related to civets and fossas.
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 19th century: derived from a local language (likely extinct) of the Malay Peninsula.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Binturong. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/binturong