catmint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1informal, botanical, gardening
Quick answer
What does “catmint” mean?
A perennial herb of the mint family, Nepeta cataria, known for its attractive effect on domestic cats.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A perennial herb of the mint family, Nepeta cataria, known for its attractive effect on domestic cats.
Any plant of the genus Nepeta, often cultivated in gardens for their aromatic foliage and flowers; sometimes used in herbal teas and traditional remedies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Catnip' is more common in both varieties for the dried herb, while 'catmint' often refers to the living garden plant.
Connotations
In UK gardening contexts, 'catmint' often implies the cultivated ornamental varieties (e.g., Nepeta × faassenii). In the US, 'catnip' is the dominant term for the wild or dried plant affecting cats.
Frequency
'Catmint' is moderately common in gardening circles in both regions. 'Catnip' is significantly more frequent in general usage.
Grammar
How to Use “catmint” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] catmint [VERB] the cats.She [VERB] catmint along the [NOUN].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catmint” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The neighbourhood toms will catmint themselves silly if you plant it.
American English
- My garden is completely catminted by the local felines every summer.
adverb
British English
- The cat rolled catmint-ly in the herb patch. (humorous, non-standard)
American English
- He looked at the plant catmint-ly, wondering if it would attract strays. (humorous, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- She planted a catmint border along the path.
American English
- We bought a catmint toy for the new kitten.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche herbal product or pet toy marketing.
Academic
Used in botanical and horticultural texts describing Lamiaceae family plants.
Everyday
Used by gardeners and cat owners.
Technical
Precise taxonomic designation for species in genus Nepeta.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catmint”
- Confusing 'catmint' (often the living plant) with 'catnip' (often the dried product). Misspelling as 'cat mint'. Using it as a mass noun uncountably when referring to multiple plants ('catmints').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes and no. 'Catnip' typically refers specifically to Nepeta cataria, especially its dried leaves and stems. 'Catmint' is a broader term often used for Nepeta cataria and other ornamental species in the same genus grown in gardens.
Yes, Nepeta cataria (catnip/catmint) is non-toxic to cats. The euphoric reaction is temporary and harmless. However, not all plants called 'mint' are safe, so correct identification is important.
Yes, historically, catmint (Nepeta cataria) has been used in herbal teas for its mild sedative and digestive properties. Always consult a professional before using any herb medicinally.
No, only some species, primarily Nepeta cataria, contain the compound nepetalactone which triggers the characteristic response in cats. Many ornamental garden catmints have been bred for looks and may have little effect.
A perennial herb of the mint family, Nepeta cataria, known for its attractive effect on domestic cats.
Catmint is usually informal, botanical, gardening in register.
Catmint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkatmɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkætˌmɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “rolling in the catmint (referring to a cat's euphoric behaviour)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MINT that CATs like. A mint plant for cats.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PLANT IS A DRUG (for cats); GARDEN BEAUTY IS USEFUL.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary distinction often made between 'catmint' and 'catnip' in casual usage?