native cat

noun

any of several catlike dasyures of the genus Dasyurus, of Australia and Tasmania: most populations are now rare.

Origin of native cat

First recorded in 1875–80

Words Nearby native cat

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use native cat in a sentence

But at the first mention of the native cat nearly every bird, and all the small game, prepared to get away.
Dot and the Kangaroo | Ethel C. Pedley
I'm but a funny wild, little, spotted native cat, With claws and tail like a squirrel and a nose like a rat.
Cole's Funny Picture Book No. 1 | Edward William Cole
They also saw strange birds, as well as the wild or native cat, which has been such a pest ever since in most parts of Australia.
The Logbooks of the Lady Nelson | Ida Lee
We saw that the Australian moon-myth of Mityan was of a native cat.
Moon Lore | Timothy Harley

British Dictionary definitions for native cat

native cat

noun

Australian any of various Australian catlike carnivorous marsupials of the genus Dasyurus

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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