kitten heel

American  

[kit-n heel] / ˈkɪt n ˌhil /

noun

1. a thin, tapering heel on a woman's shoe, lower than a spike heel.

2. a shoe with this type of heel.

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kitten heel British  

noun

1. a low stiletto heel on a woman's shoe

2. a woman's shoe with a low stiletto heel

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Etymology

Origin of kitten heel

First recorded in 1955–60; so called because originally considered appropriate for teenagers

Example Sentences

The Campo Loafer is the ultimate in cool with its curved kitten heel and bulky asymmetrical silhouette.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2024

"Whenever I go on the red carpet, I get sent shoes that are always so high. I’m like, 'Do they have a kitten heel? I’m going to be the tallest person – a giraffe.'"

From Salon • Jan. 16, 2024

She had one shoe from Stead & Simpson, described as blue with a blue bow and a small kitten heel, she was wearing black knitted gloves and a yellow and black patterned scarf.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2023

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