catnap

[ kat-nap ]

noun

1. a short, light nap or doze.

verb (used without object)

, cat·napped, cat·nap·ping.

1. to doze or sleep lightly.

catnap

/ ˈkætˌnæp /

noun

1. a short sleep or doze

verb

1. intr to sleep or doze for a short time or intermittently

Word History and Origins

Origin of catnap¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25; cat + nap ¹

Example Sentences

On good ones, they found a lodging house and raced upstairs, hoping to claim a catnap before that evening’s gig.

From Los Angeles Times

Maybe he could take a little rest, catnap like Mom did after dinner, before she started her hours of baking.

From Literature

It should be noted that the Fourth Estate doesn’t merely cover for Mr. Biden on trivial matters like his propensity for catnaps.

From Washington Times

Merry sang songs—all to the tune of “Jingle Bells”—and took little catnaps on a pink blanket under the pecan tree by the downstairs kitchen door.

From Literature

And although it is possible to take catnaps during the daytime, our inclination is to want to sleep when it is night.

From Salon