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

When he goes inside, he sees that it has been enveloped in darkness and taken over by evil, shadowy creatures that can resemble everything from blobs to catlike predators.

From Scientific American • Oct. 20, 2023

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

From BBC • May 4, 2023

Though there appears to be no love lost between the two, Margaret, the first lady, is no Melania Trump, except for the catlike smugness that’s the top note of Vanessa Williams’s sleek performance.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2022

Philoitios left the house now at one bound, catlike, running to bolt the courtyard gate.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

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