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

This one’s a little one, it’s a little kitten heel, it doesn’t do much.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2025

"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

“Like the kitten heel, I hate,” Ms. Ora said, cringing.

From New York Times • Jan. 10, 2013

A kitten heel would have been more appropriate, both for the dress and for her age.

From The Guardian • Feb. 28, 2011