panda

noun

pan·​da ˈpan-də 

1

: red panda

2

: a large black-and-white mammal (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually classified with the bears (family Ursidae)

called also giant panda

Illustration of panda

• A red panda
• B panda 2

Examples of panda in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2024, the National Zoo in Washington and the San Diego Zoo also received pandas from China. —Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026

According to zoo officials, the Chinese government has established 67 panda reserves and launched a national park system aimed at improving habitat connectivity and long-term survival of the species. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

Chinese officials framed the panda transfer as part of a broader effort to strengthen scientific cooperation and cultural ties between the countries, even as relations remain strained. —Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026

The new agreement positions Zoo Atlanta to continue contributing to panda research at a time when international collaboration around the species remains active. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, perhaps from a language of the southeast Himalayas

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing panda

• giant panda
• lesser panda
• panda car
• red panda
• trash panda

Rhymes for panda

• banda
• ganda
• vanda
• aranda
• miranda
• veranda
• verandah
• jacaranda
• memoranda
• propaganda

Kids Definition

panda

noun

pan·​da ˈpan-də 

1

: red panda

2

: a large black and white mammal of chiefly central China that feeds primarily on bamboo shoots and is now usually considered to be closely related to the bears

called also giant panda