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Definition of jaguar

jaguar

/ˈdʒæɡ.wɑːr/
jag · uar
Plural:jaguars
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jaguar Lexical Profile

jaguar Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large, heavily built feline (Panthera onca) native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina, characterized by a yellowish-brown coat with dark rosettes containing central spots.

Example

"The jaguar is an apex predator that plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Amazon rainforest."

Word Nuance & Usage

The jaguar is frequently confused with the leopard; however, jaguars are native to the Americas and have distinct rosettes with spots inside them, whereas leopards are found in Africa and Asia and have empty rosettes.

• Nearby Words

jaggedness
jaggy
jagua
jaguar
jaguaribe
jaguarundi
jail

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Portuguese 'jaguar' and Spanish 'yaguar', ultimately derived from the Tupi-Guarani word 'yaguara', meaning 'beast of prey' or 'dog' (referring to any large carnivorous beast).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Jaguar. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/jaguar
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