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Definition of serval

serval

/ˈsɝː.vəl/
ser · val
Plural:servals
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serval Lexical Profile

serval Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A slender, medium-sized wild cat native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by its long legs, small head, exceptionally large ears, and a yellowish coat marked with black spots and stripes.

Example

"While exploring the savanna at dusk, the conservationists were thrilled to observe a serval leaping high into the air to catch a bird."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for serval

• Rhymes for serval

• Nearby Words

serrano
serrula
serum
serval
serviceberry
sesame
sesame seed

Word Origin & Etymology

From late 18th-century French 'serval', derived from Portuguese 'cerveiro' (meaning 'lynx'), which traces back to Latin 'cervarius' (meaning 'of or pertaining to a deer'). This likely referred to the feline's slender, deer-like build or tawny coat.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Serval. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/serval
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