catt: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “catt” mean?
Common name for a domestic feline (Felis catus). A small, carnivorous mammal often kept as a pet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Common name for a domestic feline (Felis catus). A small, carnivorous mammal often kept as a pet.
The term can be applied broadly to any member of the family Felidae (e.g., big cats like lions), used informally for a spiteful person, or as a term for a jazz enthusiast. In construction, 'cat' is a shortened form of caterpillar (tractor).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The pronunciation of the vowel /æ/ is consistent. The informal term 'moggy' for a non-pedigree cat is more common in UK English.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: independence, curiosity, aloofness. 'Catty' (spiteful) is equally used.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects as a core vocabulary item.
Grammar
How to Use “catt” in a Sentence
to have a catto own a catto feed the catthe cat + verb (e.g., sleeps, purrs, scratches)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catt” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He had to cat about for a new job after the redundancy.
- The sailors cat the anchor securely.
American English
- He spent the evening catting around the downtown bars.
adjective
British English
- The cat flap needs repairing.
- She has a very cat-like grace.
American English
- The cat door is electronic.
- His cat-like reflexes saved him.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually none in formal business contexts. 'CAT' may appear as an acronym (e.g., Computer-Assisted Translation).
Academic
Used in biological/zoological contexts (e.g., 'The domestic cat is a model organism...').
Everyday
Extremely common in daily conversation about pets, animals, and in idioms.
Technical
In engineering, 'catalytic converter' is informally shortened to 'cat'. In IT, 'CAT' cables (Category).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catt”
- Using 'cat' as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'I cat the mouse' is wrong; correct is 'The cat chases the mouse').
- Confusing 'cat' with 'kitten' (a young cat).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'cat' is the general, gender-neutral term. Specific terms are 'tomcat' (male) and 'queen' (female, especially breeding).
A 'kitten' is a young cat, typically under one year old. 'Cat' refers to the adult animal.
Yes, but it is rare and specialised. It can mean 'to raise (an anchor) to the cathead' on a ship, or informally 'to wander about' (as in 'cat around').
Cats have lived closely with humans for millennia, leading to many observed behaviours (curiosity, stealth, independence) that provide rich metaphorical material for language.
Common name for a domestic feline (Felis catus). A small, carnivorous mammal often kept as a pet.
Catt is usually neutral to informal in register.
Catt: in British English it is pronounced /kæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /kæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “let the cat out of the bag”
- “it's raining cats and dogs”
- “the cat's whiskers/pyjamas”
- “cat got your tongue?”
- “play cat and mouse”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A CAT is on the MAT.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSON IS A CAT (e.g., 'She's a curious cat', 'He's so catty').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is an informal British English synonym for a non-pedigree cat?