IPA: /kæt/
KK: /kæt/
To search for romantic or sexual partners, often in a casual or playful manner.
He was catting around during the summer, meeting new people at every party.
Past: cat
Past Participle: cat
A small domesticated animal that is often kept as a pet, known for catching mice and having various breeds.
My cat loves to play with yarn.
To hoist an anchor to a specific part of a ship called the cathead.
The crew will cat the anchor before setting sail.
Past: catted
Past Participle: catted
The word 'cat' originates from the Late Latin 'cattus', which comes from the Greek 'katta', meaning a domesticated feline. The term refers specifically to the small, carnivorous mammal commonly kept as a pet.
Think of the Greek word 'katta' for a domesticated feline, which helps you remember that 'cat' refers to this beloved pet.