Cat — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb abbreviation trademark /ˈkat/

Meaning & Definition of Cat

Cat (noun)

  1. a carnivorous mammal (Felis catus) long domesticated as a pet and for catching rats and mice
  2. any of a family (Felidae) of carnivorous usually solitary and nocturnal mammals (such as the domestic cat, lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cougar, wildcat, lynx, and cheetah)
  3. guy

Cat (verb)

  1. to search for a sexual mate —often used with around
  2. to bring (an anchor) up to the cathead

Cat (abbreviation)

  1. catalog
  2. catalyst
  3. clear-air turbulence
  4. computerized axial tomography

Cat (trademark)

  1. —used for a Caterpillar tractor

Cat (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a small domestic animal known for catching mice

    "the family's cat did an exemplary job of keeping the house and yard free of all rodents"

    similar: feline, house cat, kitty, moggy (British), puss, pussy, pussycat
  2. an adult male human being

    "he was one cool cat driving around in his new sports car"

    similar: bastard, bloke (chiefly British), buck, chap (chiefly British), chappie (British), dude, fella, fellow, galoot (slang), gent, gentleman, guy, hombre, jack, joe, joker, lad, male, man

Related Entry: Cat-a-mountain (noun)

Cat-a-mountain is a different word from Cat. The synonyms below are for cat-a-mountain, not for cat.

  1. a large tawny cat of the wild

    "tracks that looked to be those of a cat-a-mountain"

Related Entry: Cat's meow (noun)

Cat's meow is a different word from Cat. The synonyms below are for cat's meow, not for cat.

  1. something very good of its kind

    "this flapper-style dress was the cat's meow back in the roaring 1920s"

Related Entry: Cat's-paw (noun)

Cat's-paw is a different word from Cat. The synonyms below are for cat's-paw, not for cat.

  1. one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another

    "these changes to the zoning laws have only confirmed for many that the town council has become the cat's-paw of local real estate developers"

Related Entry: Cat (around) (verb)

Cat (around) is a different word from Cat. The synonyms below are for cat (around), not for cat.

  1. as in play (around), fool around

Related Entry: Cat burglar (noun)

Cat burglar is a different word from Cat. The synonyms below are for cat burglar, not for cat.

  1. as in burglar, housebreaker

Related Entry: Cat burglars (noun)

Cat burglars is a different word from Cat. The synonyms below are for cat burglars, not for cat.

  1. as in burglars, housebreakers

Related Entry: Cat rig (noun)

Cat rig is a different word from Cat. The synonyms below are for cat rig, not for cat.

  1. as in yacht, catboat

Related Entry: Cat rigs (noun)

Cat rigs is a different word from Cat. The synonyms below are for cat rigs, not for cat.

  1. as in yachts, catboats

Related Entry: Cat's cradle (noun)

Cat's cradle is a different word from Cat. The synonyms below are for cat's cradle, not for cat.

  1. as in maze, labyrinth

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cat

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cat:

British: moggy, chappie
Chiefly British: bloke, chap
Slang: galoot

Word Forms of Cat

Inflections: catted, catting

Origin & Etymology of Cat

Middle English, from Old English catt, probably from Late Latin cattus, catta cat

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Cat

Words & Phrases Containing Cat

Frequently Asked Questions about Cat

What does "Cat" mean?

"Cat" means a carnivorous mammal (Felis catus) long domesticated as a pet and for catching rats and mice. As an a noun, a verb, an abbreviation and a trademark, it is defined as: a carnivorous mammal (Felis catus) long domesticated as a pet and for catching rats and mice. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Cat"?

Other words for "Cat" include feline, house cat, kitty, moggy, puss, pussy, pussycat and bastard. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cat" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cat"?

There are 38 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cat". Common alternatives include feline, house cat, kitty, moggy, puss, pussy, pussycat, bastard, bloke and buck.

How do you use "Cat" in a sentence?

Examples of "Cat" in a sentence: "the family's cat did an exemplary job of keeping the house and yard free of all rodents"; "he was one cool cat driving around in his new sports car".

Is "Cat" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cat" can be used as a noun, a verb, an abbreviation and a trademark, depending on the context.

Is "Cat" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Cat" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Cat"?

"Cat" is pronounced /ˈkat/.

What is the origin of the word "Cat"?

"Cat" comes from Middle English, from Old English catt, probably from Late Latin cattus, catta cat. First known use: before 12th century.