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Confusing words explained

“bobcat” vs “mountain lion” — What’s the Difference?

Both are wild cats, but bobcats are much smaller with short tails.

Key takeaway

Quick Difference: bobcat vs mountain lion

Both are wild cats, but bobcats are much smaller with short tails.

bobcat /ˈbɑːbkæt/ mountain lion /ˈmaʊntən ˈlaɪən/

bobcat vs mountain lion Side-by-Side Comparison

Meaning of bobcat

Noun B1 Neutral
Meaning

A wild cat found in North America with a short tail and spotted fur.

Short definition

A medium-sized wild cat with a very short tail and brown spotted fur. Bobcats hunt small animals.

Rule of thumb

Use 'bobcat' for the animal. Named after its short 'bobbed' tail.

Examples
  • A bobcat has a very short tail. A2 daily
  • The bobcat hunts rabbits and small deer. B1 academic

Meaning of mountain lion

Noun B2 Neutral
Meaning

A large wild cat native to the Americas, also known as cougar or puma, with a tawny coat.

Short definition

A large, tan-coloured wild cat found in North and South America — the same animal as a cougar or puma.

Rule of thumb

Use 'mountain lion' in the western US. 'Cougar' and 'puma' are interchangeable names for the same cat.

Examples
  • We saw a mountain lion near the hiking trail. A2 daily
  • Mountain lion sightings have increased as urban areas expand into wild habitats. B1 formal

Usage Notes & Nuance

bobcat: Bobcats are native North American wildcats named for their distinctive short tail.

mountain lion: The mountain lion has more common names than almost any other mammal: cougar, puma, panther (in Florida), and catamount. In the western US, 'mountain lion' is most common.

How to Remember the Difference

Bobcats are small with spots and a stubby tail; mountain lions are big, plain-coated and have a long tail.

Common Mistakes with bobcat and mountain lion

Mistake with bobcat

Correct: bobcats have very short tails

Mistake with bobcat

Correct: bobcats are much smaller than mountain lions

Mistake with mountain lion

Correct: Mountain lions are cats; coyotes are wild dogs.

Mistake with mountain lion

Correct: Mountain lions are more closely related to cheetahs.

Practice Quiz: bobcat or mountain lion?

Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.

Question 1

A _____ has a very short tail.

Question 2

The _____ hunts rabbits and small deer.

Question 3

We saw a _____ near the hiking trail.

Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.

Frequently Asked Questions About bobcat vs mountain lion

What’s the difference between “bobcat” and “mountain lion”?

Both are wild cats, but bobcats are much smaller with short tails.

When should I use “bobcat”?

Use 'bobcat' for the animal. Named after its short 'bobbed' tail.

When should I use “mountain lion”?

Use 'mountain lion' in the western US. 'Cougar' and 'puma' are interchangeable names for the same cat.

How can I remember bobcat vs mountain lion?

Bobcats are small with spots and a stubby tail; mountain lions are big, plain-coated and have a long tail.

Is it “bobcat” or “mountain lion” in example sentences?

Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.

Explore bobcat and mountain lion Individually