cat

cat · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur.

  2. 2.

    Any wild animal of the cat family.

  3. 3.

    (informal) A person, especially a man.

Forms

plural: cats

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    let the cat out of the bag — reveal a secret
  • •
    cat got your tongue — unable to speak
  • •
    curiosity killed the cat — being too curious is dangerous
  • •
    like a cat on a hot tin roof — very nervous
  • •
    raining cats and dogs — raining heavily
  • •
    cat nap — a short sleep
  • •
    when the cat's away, the mice will play — people misbehave when unsupervised

Related words

See also: dog, feline, kitten, pet
Synonyms: feline, kitty, puss, tomcat

Etymology

From Old English "catt," from Late Latin "cattus," probably from an African language. Related to Old Irish "catt" and Welsh "cath."