kitten heel
Americannoun
-
a thin, tapering heel on a woman's shoe, lower than a spike heel.
-
a shoe with this type of heel.
noun
-
a low stiletto heel on a woman's shoe
-
a woman's shoe with a low stiletto heel
Etymology
Origin of kitten heel
First recorded in 1955–60; so called because originally considered appropriate for teenagers
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.
The most stylish way to wear them this summer is with a kitten heel, according to fashion expert and trend forecaster Angela Baidoo.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
The kitten heel, as it were, was on the other foot, and Trump’s discomfort was there for all to see.
From Salon ● Aug. 13, 2024
My maternal grandmother, an educator, was the epitome of classic chic: a kitten heel, a sheath dress and never without a bold red lip.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2020
But Hidden Figures manages to both stay faithful to the genre’s most enjoyable elements while puncturing the boundaries with a knowing kick of its kitten heel.
From The Guardian ● Feb. 21, 2017
“Like the kitten heel, I hate,” Ms. Ora said, cringing.
From New York Times ● Jan. 10, 2013
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
