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

From Los Angeles Times

I grew up in Center City, Philadelphia, and spent my first few decades in Los Angeles covering arts and culture, food and nightlife — it was all gallery openings and red carpets, open bars and kitten heels throughout the early aughts.

From Los Angeles Times

“The only two choices for women, witch and sexy kitten.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

I work with a place called Kitten Rescue Los Angeles that has a home base in Atwater Village.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• kitty