kitten

[ kit-n ]

noun

1. a young cat.

verb (used with or without object)

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

kitten

/ ˈkɪtən /

noun

1. a young cat
2. have kittens or have a canary informal.
   to react with disapproval, anxiety, etc US equivalenthave a cow

   she had kittens when she got the bill

verb

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

Derived Forms

• ˈkitten-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• kitten·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kitten¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of kitten¹

C14: from Old Northern French caton, from cat ¹; probably influenced by Middle English kiteling

Idioms and Phrases

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

Example Sentences

The authors say this may be so they can avoid overlapping with male lions, who pose a threat to them and their kittens.

From Science Daily

In a study published this week in Scientific Reports, researchers describe the frozen body of a saber-toothed kitten preserved for 37,000 years in the Siberian permafrost.

From Science Magazine

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

From Los Angeles Times

She showed me a photo of a kitten she rescued and smirked.

From Salon

Luar presented shoes for the first time as well, including boots, loafers, clogs and kitten heels.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• kitty