catchy

[ kach-ee ]

adjective

, catch·i·er, catch·i·est.

1. pleasing and easily remembered:

   a catchy tune.

2. likely to attract interest or attention:

   a catchy title for a movie.

3. tricky; deceptive:

   a catchy question.

4. occurring in snatches; fitful:

   a catchy wind.

catchy

/ ˈkætʃɪ /

adjective

1. (of a tune, etc) pleasant and easily remembered or imitated
2. tricky or deceptive

   a catchy question

3. irregular

   a catchy breeze

Derived Forms

• ˈcatchiness, noun

Other Words From

• catchi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of catchy¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; catch + -y ¹

Example Sentences

And I really ought to extol the graciously ironic handling of “Chrysanthemum Tea,” one of those oh-so-clever Sondheim numbers that spans enormous dramatic territory in a manner so catchy that the song seems to gallop.

From Los Angeles Times

It prompts an animation of people dancing to a catchy song.

From BBC

At the outset of his career in 1998, his unique genre of songwriting was dubbed “popera” by a family friend — and his music does somehow encompass the catchy tune and the irrepressible rhythm of great pop within complex classical chord sequences and a Verdi-sized ambition.

From Los Angeles Times

For Kendrick Lamar, there’s much more to his catchy hater anthem “Not Like Us” than his disdain for Drake.

From Los Angeles Times

Showing impeccable timing, Boy George was on as a guest to promote Culture Club’s new single The War Song, with its catchy “war is stupid” chorus.

From BBC

Related Words

• haunting
• memorable