kitten

American  

[kit-n] / ˈkɪt n /

noun

1. a young cat.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. (of cats) to give birth; bear.

kitten British  

/ ˈkɪtən /

noun

1. a young cat

2. US equivalent: have a cow.  informal to react with disapproval, anxiety, etc

   she had kittens when she got the bill

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verb

1. (of cats) to give birth to (young)

kitten Idioms  

1. see have a fit (kittens); weak as a kitten.

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Other Word Forms

• kitten-like adjective
• kittenlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of kitten

1350–1400; Middle English kitoun, apparently blend of kiteling kitling and Middle French chitoun, variant of chaton kitten

Example Sentences

A law to tackle the smuggling of puppies and kittens into Britain has passed Parliament this week, after two previous attempts failed.

From BBC

We don’t allow puppies or kittens to be separated from their mothers until at least 8 weeks following their birth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Then it will be Lavinia’s turn to be mad as a hornet—unless she discovers your clever scheme and, gentle as a lamb and sweet as a kitten, somehow persuades you to share.

From Literature

Nearby, Ali Ahmad was balancing a small kitten he rescued from the floods on his shoulder.

From BBC

Another pet owner, Lucy Dawson from Salisbury said a five-minute trip to the vet with her kitten, Jessie, cost her more than £100.

From BBC

Related Words

• kitty