kitten heel

[ kit-n heel ]

noun

1. a thin, tapering heel on a woman's shoe, lower than a spike heel.
2. a shoe with this type of heel.

kitten heel

noun

1. a low stiletto heel on a woman's shoe
2. a woman's shoe with a low stiletto heel

Word History and Origins

Origin of kitten heel¹

First recorded in 1955–60; so called because originally considered appropriate for teenagers

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

The kitten heel, as it were, was on the other foot, and Trump’s discomfort was there for all to see.

From Salon

Nikola wears Cartier Signature Cs; Kenzo rose fitted shirt in faded pink mesh polyamide; rose turtleneck top in faded pink mesh polyamide; kitten heel in leather covered by faded pink Kenzo rose printed textile.

From Los Angeles Times

Nikola wears Cartier Signature Cs; Kenzo rose fitted shirt in faded pink mesh polyamide; rose turtleneck top in faded pink mesh polyamide; kitten heel in leather covered by faded pink Kenzo rose printed textile.

From Los Angeles Times

"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