Definition

Noun: 1. The lion (Panthera leo): A large, powerful, social feline mammal, native to Africa and parts of India. The term specifically highlights the animal's traditional reputation as the most majestic and dominant animal. * Note: This is a common, poetic, or traditional name for the lion, emphasizing its perceived status.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The documentary referred to the lion as the king of beasts, a title it has held in human imagination for centuries.
  • In many fables, the king of beasts holds court over all the other animals.
  • Hunters once spoke of pursuing the king of beasts on safari.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in a metaphorical or symbolic context to denote supreme power, courage, or nobility within a particular domain.
  • In the corporate jungle, he was considered the undisputed king of beasts.
• It can be used ironically or critically to comment on the decline of a powerful figure or species.
  • The old king of beasts now sleeps in a zoo enclosure, a shadow of his former self.

Variants and Related Words

• Lion (n): The standard, non-poetic term for the animal.
• Big cat (n): A general term for large felines like lions, tigers, and leopards.

Synonyms

• Lion
• Panthera leo (Scientific name)

Related Idioms

• The lion's share: The largest or best part of something. (This idiom derives from the lion's symbolic status as the king of beasts in fables, where it claims the largest portion.)
  • As the project lead, she took the lion's share of the credit.

Noun

1. large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male