Cat Definition, Pronunciation, and Common Usage

Meaning 1：domestic cat (cat)

cat 🔊

/kæt/

A small furry pet that says "meow" and is loved by many people.

Orange tabby cat stretching on sunlit wooden floor

domestic cat 🔊

➕

/dəˈmɛstɪk kæt/

A small carnivorous mammal (Felis catus) often kept as a pet; known for its soft fur, retractable claws, and purring.

📁 Category：Animal Protection 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'catt', Latin 'cattus', possibly of Afro-Asiatic origin.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a cat's arched back forming the letter 'C' — 'C' for 'cat' and 'curl'.

📖 Example

After a long day, nothing is more relaxing than having my cat curl up and purr on my lap. 🔊 After a long day, nothing is more relaxing than having my cat curl up and purr on my lap.

🔗 Collocations

stray cat – A cat that lives outdoors without a permanent home.

house cat – A cat that lives indoors as a pet.

cat food – Specially formulated food for cats.

🔄 Synonyms

feline (n.) – Any member of the cat family, often used interchangeably with domestic cat.

kitty (n.) – A friendly, informal term for a cat or kitten.

tomcat (n.) – An unneutered male cat.

🌱 Derivatives

catty (adj.) – Resembling a cat; spiteful or malicious.

catlike (adj.) – Having traits characteristic of a cat, such as agility or stealth.

caterwaul (v.) – To make a shrill, wailing sound like a cat in heat.

📖 Cultural Story

Domesticated in the Near East around 7500 BC for rodent control. The word spread via Latin 'cattus' into Germanic and Romance languages.