Cheetah
/ˈtʃiː.tə/noun
A large, slender African and southwestern Asian cat renowned for its exceptional speed.
Did you know?The English word ultimately traces to Sanskrit citraka, “variegated” or “spotted,” linking the cheetah’s name to the visual language of pattern and color rather than speed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kʷeit-
“To shine or be bright; a proposed ancient root connected with brightness and color”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
citra
“Bright, variegated, or spotted”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
citraka
“The spotted one; a term used for a leopard-like cat”
Medieval Hindi
Hindi
cītā
“Cheetah or spotted cat”
17th Century
English
cheeta
“A cheetah, borrowed from an Indian language”
Modern English
English
cheetah
“A fast-running, spotted African cat”