catlike

[ kat-lahyk ]

adjective

1. resembling or typical of a cat:

   catlike eyes.

2. swift and graceful.
3. stealthy and noiseless:

   The scouts crept up on their quarry with catlike tread.

Word History and Origins

Origin of catlike¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; cat ( def ) + -like

Example Sentences

Sleek black armor covers every inch of him, except for his eyes; gray as smoke and catlike, they’re set on General Sharpe.

From Literature

He’s hidden by darkness, but I can make out his eyes—gray as smoke and catlike.

From Literature

Time magazine described her as “moving about the stage with catlike grace, her rich, ringing voice zooming with ease through the high, precarious lines,” and as a “girl with veins of fire.”

From New York Times

Here, the imagery flickers between the mortal world and more forbidden realms — ghostly knights, ships, catlike creatures.

From Los Angeles Times

She moved slowly, catlike, and seemed not too concerned.

From Slate