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siamese: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˌsaɪ.əˈmiːz/US/ˌsaɪ.əˈmiːz/

Formal, Technical, Historical

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Quick answer

What does “siamese” mean?

Relating to or originating from Siam (now Thailand).

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Relating to or originating from Siam (now Thailand).

1. (often 'Siamese') Of or pertaining to a type of domestic cat with blue eyes and pale fur with darker points (face, ears, tail). 2. (Less commonly) Used to describe things that are connected or identical, originating from the historical concept of 'Siamese twins'. 3. (As a proper noun: Siamese) The Thai language.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage is largely identical, though American English may more readily use 'Siamese' as a metaphorical adjective (e.g., 'siamese connection') in technical/mechanical contexts. The cat breed term is universal.

Connotations

In both varieties, it carries a historical/colonial connotation when referring to people or culture. Use 'Thai' in modern contexts. 'Siamese cat' is standard and neutral.

Frequency

Low frequency in general discourse; high frequency within specific domains (cat fancy, historical studies).

Grammar

How to Use “siamese” in a Sentence

[adjective] + noun (e.g., Siamese cat)[noun] + of + Siamese origin

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Siamese catSiamese twins
medium
Siamese fighting fishSiamese connection
weak
Siamese cultureSiamese architecture

Examples

Examples of “siamese” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adverb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adjective

British English

  • The antique vase was of Siamese origin.
  • They have a lovely Siamese kitten.

American English

  • The old map showed the Siamese coastline.
  • He fixed the siamese connection for the fire hoses.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually unused.

Academic

Used in historical, cultural, or biological contexts (e.g., 'the Siamese kingdom', 'Siamese crocodile').

Everyday

Primarily for the cat breed: 'She has a Siamese.'

Technical

Can describe a type of pipe fitting or electrical connection where two parts are joined ('siamese joint').

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “siamese”

Strong

conjoined (for twins)pointed (for cat colouration)

Neutral

Thai (for culture/people)connected

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “siamese”

disconnectedunrelatedseparate

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “siamese”

  • Using 'Siamese' to refer to a modern Thai person (use 'Thai').
  • Misspelling as 'Siamise' or 'Siamiese'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

In modern contexts, yes. 'Thai' is the correct and respectful demonym. 'Siamese' is historical and can be seen as colonial or outdated.

It typically has a creamy-coloured body with darker 'points' (ears, face, paws, and tail), bright blue almond-shaped eyes, and a slender build.

It derives from 'Siam', the former name of Thailand, plus the English adjectival suffix '-ese'.

No, it is not standardly used as a verb in contemporary English.

Relating to or originating from Siam (now Thailand).

Siamese is usually formal, technical, historical in register.

Siamese: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsaɪ.əˈmiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsaɪ.əˈmiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “joined at the hip (modern equivalent for 'like Siamese twins')”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Siam-EASE: Imagine a very ELEGANT and EASY-GOING cat from SIAM.

Conceptual Metaphor

CLOSE CONNECTION IS PHYSICAL JOINING (from 'Siamese twins').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The two companies operated in a partnership, completely dependent on each other's resources.
Multiple Choice

What is the most common modern use of the word 'Siamese'?

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