catlike

American

[kat-lahyk] / ˈkætˌlaɪk /

adjective

resembling or typical of a cat.

catlike eyes.
swift and graceful.
stealthy and noiseless.

The scouts crept up on their quarry with catlike tread.

Etymology

Origin of catlike

First recorded in 1590–1600; cat ( def. ) + -like

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She moved slowly, catlike, and seemed not too concerned.

From Slate • Nov. 26, 2023

There’s all kinds of stuff that has tried to be a bit catlike in different ways—mongooses, things like that.

From Scientific American • Oct. 4, 2023

Scientists traced SARS-CoV-1 to palm civets, a type of catlike wild carnivore sold as food in some South China markets and restaurants.

From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2023

But the slower movement then makes the robot look sleepy or catlike.

From BBC • May 4, 2023

Antonio Foscarelli came into the dining car with a swift, catlike tread.

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023