cat hole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Technical (historical/nautical)
Quick answer
What does “cat hole” mean?
A small opening, typically in a door or wall, designed to allow a cat to pass through.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small opening, typically in a door or wall, designed to allow a cat to pass through.
Informally, any small, cat-sized opening or gap. In historical/nautical contexts, a small opening in the bulwarks of a ship for mooring lines (also 'cat-hole').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The domestic term is understood in both varieties but is not common. The nautical term is historical/technical and identical.
Connotations
Neutral, functional. May evoke quaint or old-fashioned domestic settings.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Possibly slightly more recognized in the UK due to older housing stock with such features.
Grammar
How to Use “cat hole” in a Sentence
[VERB] a cat hole (install, cut, fit)cat hole [PREP] the door (in, on)cat hole with [NOUN] (flap, cover)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, potentially in historical architecture or animal behaviour studies.
Everyday
Used informally by pet owners discussing home modifications.
Technical
In historical ship design (nautical architecture).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cat hole”
- Spelling as one word 'cathole' (less standard).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to cathole').
- Confusing with 'cathole' as a slang term for a small, unpleasant space.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. A 'cat flap' typically refers to the hinged door within the hole. 'Cat hole' can refer to the opening itself, but they are often used interchangeably.
No, it is not standard to use 'cat hole' as a verb. You would say 'install a cat hole' or 'cut a cat hole'.
No, it is a low-frequency term. 'Cat flap' or 'pet door' are more common in everyday speech.
It is a compound noun for a specific, functional opening. Its meaning is literal, not idiomatic.
A small opening, typically in a door or wall, designed to allow a cat to pass through.
Cat hole is usually informal, technical (historical/nautical) in register.
Cat hole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæt ˌhəʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæt ˌhoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific compound]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cat shaping itself into a circle (O) to go through a hole. CAT + HOLE = the O the cat makes.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ACCESS POINT IS A HOLE.
Practice
Quiz
In a historical nautical context, a 'cat hole' was: