catching

catch-ing · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (of a disease) Able to be transmitted from one person to another; contagious.

  2. 2.

    Present participle of catch.

  3. 3.

    Attractive or appealing.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    catching on — becoming popular or understood
  • •
    catching up — reaching the same level as others

Related words

Antonyms: non-contagious
See also: catch, contagious, infectious
Synonyms: contagious, infectious, spreading

Etymology

From Old Northern French cachier ("to chase") with the suffix -ing, serving both as a present participle and adjective.