clouded leopard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Zoological
Quick answer
What does “clouded leopard” mean?
A medium-sized wild cat native to the forests of Southeast Asia, with distinctive dark-edged cloud-like spots on its coat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medium-sized wild cat native to the forests of Southeast Asia, with distinctive dark-edged cloud-like spots on its coat.
The term refers specifically to the species Neofelis nebulosa (mainland Asia) and Neofelis diardi (Borneo and Sumatra). Sometimes used metaphorically to describe something elusive, mysterious, or beautifully patterned.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the same term.
Connotations
Neutral/conservation-related in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, primarily appearing in wildlife, documentary, and conservation contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “clouded leopard” in a Sentence
The clouded leopard (verb)...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clouded leopard” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sanctuary had a clouded-leopard enclosure.
American English
- She conducted clouded-leopard research in Borneo.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in niche contexts like wildlife tourism or conservation funding.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and environmental science papers.
Everyday
Very rare; only among wildlife enthusiasts or in documentaries.
Technical
Standard term in zoological taxonomy and wildlife conservation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clouded leopard”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clouded leopard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clouded leopard”
- Misspelling as 'clouded leopard' (incorrect spacing).
- Confusing it with a 'leopard' or 'jaguar'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a distinct genus (Neofelis), not closely related to the true leopard (Panthera pardus).
Primarily in the forests of Southeast Asia, including Nepal, Bhutan, and Borneo. They are rarely seen in zoos due to conservation needs.
Because its large, irregular spots have dark edges and lighter centres, resembling clouds.
There are no verified records of wild clouded leopards attacking humans. They are secretive and avoid contact.
A medium-sized wild cat native to the forests of Southeast Asia, with distinctive dark-edged cloud-like spots on its coat.
Clouded leopard is usually technical/zoological in register.
Clouded leopard: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklaʊdɪd ˈlɛpəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklaʊdɪd ˈlɛpɚd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the CLOUDS in the sky having dark edges, just like the spots on this LEOPARD's fur.
Conceptual Metaphor
ELUSIVENESS IS A CLOUDED LEOPARD (due to its secretive nature in dense forests).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason the clouded leopard is difficult to study?