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.

Here, the imagery flickers between the mortal world and more forbidden realms — ghostly knights, ships, catlike creatures.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2024

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

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

From BBC • May 4, 2023

Fred and George climbed catlike through the Window into Harry’s room.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling

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