noun pl. cats or cat

1. any of a family (Felidae) of carnivores, including the lion, tiger, cougar, etc., characterized by a lithe body and, in all species but the cheetah, retractile claws
2. a small, lithe, soft-furred animal (Felis cattus) of this family, domesticated since ancient times and often kept as a pet or for killing mice
3. 1. a person regarded as a cat in some way
   2. a woman who makes spiteful remarks
4. cat-o'-nine-tails
5. ☆ a catfish
6. a catboat
7. tipcat
8. ☆ caterpillar (tractor)
9. ☆ Slang
   1. a jazz musician or enthusiast
   2. any person, esp. a man
10. Naut. a tackle for hoisting an anchor to the cathead

Etymology: ME & OE, both < a general European root < LL cattus; prob. of Afr orig.

transitive verb catted cat′·ted, catting cat′·ting