feline

[fee-lahyn]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the cat family, Felidae.

2. catlike; characteristic of animals of the cat family.

   a feline tread.

3. sly, stealthy, or treacherous.

noun

1. an animal of the cat family.

feline

/ fɪˈlɪnɪtɪ, ˈfiːlaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Felidae , a family of predatory mammals, including cats, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, typically having a round head and retractile claws: order Carnivora (carnivores)

2. resembling or suggestive of a cat, esp in stealth or grace

noun

1. any animal belonging to the family Felidae ; a cat

feline

1. Characteristic of or resembling felids.

Other Word Forms

• felinely adverb
• felineness noun
• felinity noun
• unfeline adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of feline¹

1675–85; < Latin fēl ( ēs ) ( Felis ) + -ine ¹; compare Late Latin fēlīneus of a wild cat

Word History and Origins

Origin of feline¹

C17: from Latin fēlīnus , from fēlēs cat

Example Sentences

No one knew they were corresponding with a feline.

From Los Angeles Times

Fran said the cat - who was identified through having a microchip - is exactly how they remembered him, and was happy to share space with the family's other feline, Freddy.

From BBC

It’s a fantasy forest sprung to life, complete with a centerpiece tree and felt and ceramic sculptures of dapperly dressed felines and canines.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s kitten season, the time of year when shelters see a massive increase in the number of tiny precious felines.

From Los Angeles Times

Her feline predecessor, Kitty Mama, was a difficult act to follow, Palacios said.

From Los Angeles Times