lynx
/lɛ̃ks/masculine
The English word 'lynx' is translated into French as lynx. Wiktionary also lists loup-cervier.
Meaning: wild cat (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lynx | /lɛ̃ks/ | masculine |
| loup-cervier | /lu.sɛʁ.vje/ | masculine |
The word refers to the wild cat. It is also used in the common idiom avoir des yeux de lynx, which describes someone with very keen or sharp eyesight.
Which one should you use?
While lynx is the standard term for the animal, loup-cervier is a more traditional or descriptive name for the same creature.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, loup-cervier is the informal term used for the lynx.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/lɛ̃ks/
Did you know?
- In French literature, the lynx is sometimes used as a symbol of mythological vigilance because it was believed the animal could see through walls.
- The term loup-cervier literally translates to 'deer-wolf'.
- The name loup-cervier reflects an old French naming convention where predators were often called loup regardless of their actual species.
Examples in context
- Tu as des yeux de lynx.You have the eyes of a lynx.This sentence is useful for illustrating the idiom for having keen eyesight using lynx.Tatoeba #3193781 by nimfeo, translation #6841234 by Adelpa
- Elle a des yeux de lynx.She has the eyes of a lynx.Tatoeba #6830103 by Adelpa, translation #6840844 by kaiperkins271
- Il y avait au milieu de la terrasse un petit lit d’ivoire, couvert de peaux de lynx avec des coussins en plume de perroquet.In the middle of the terrace was a small ivory bed covered in lynx skin with pillows made of parrot feathers.This sentence is useful for showing how to refer to skins of the animal using lynx.Tatoeba #1959027 by Scott, translation #10855025 by Taikian
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are visiting a zoo.
- ChloéRegarde Lucas, c'est un lynx !Look Lucas, it's a lynx!
- LucasIl est vraiment magnifique.He is truly magnificent.
- ChloéLe lynx a des oreilles très drôles.The lynx has very funny ears.
- LucasOui, c'est typique de cet animal.Yes, it's typical of this animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lynx” translations and entries lynx, loup-cervier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
