lions

Noun

lion (plural lions or (rare) lion)

1. A big cat, Panthera leo, native to Africa, India and formerly much of Europe.
   • Tigers and lions share a common ancestor from a few million years ago.
   1. A male lion, as opposed to a lioness, which is characterized by having a flowing shaggy mane and taking little part in hunting, which can be done cooperatively.
2. (broadly) Any of various extant and extinct big cats, especially the mountain lion.
3. A Chinese foo dog.
4. A person who shows attributes associated with the lion, such as strength, courage, or ferocity.
   • It was said of [Edward Plantaganet] that ‘he was a lion for pride and ferocity but a pard for inconstancy and changeableness, not keeping his word or promise but excusing himself with fair words’.2003, Peter Armstrong, Angus McBride, Stirling Bridge & Falkirk 1297–98: William Wallace's Rebellion
5. A famous person regarded with interest and curiosity.
   • During this period, we were the lions of the neighbourhood; and, no doubt, strangers from the distant villages were taken to see the "Karhowrees" (white men), in the same way that countrymen, in a city, are gallanted to the Zoological Gardens.1847 March 30, Herman Melville, Omoo: A Narrative of Adventures in the South Seas; […], London: John Murray, […], →OCLC

See all 14 meanings of lion