catnip

[ kat-nip ]

noun

1. a plant, Nepeta cataria, of the mint family, having egg-shaped leaves containing aromatic oils that are a cat attractant.

catnip

/ ˈkætˌnɪp /

noun

1. another name for catmint

Word History and Origins

Origin of catnip¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1705–15; cat ( def ) + nip, variant of Middle English nep “catnip,” variant of Old English nepte, from Medieval Latin nepta, variant of Latin nepeta

Example Sentences

“These incidents are catnip for those who seek to undermine confidence in the election result,” said Luis Lozada, chief executive of Democracy Works, a not-for-profit group that distributes information about voting.

From BBC

But for millions the latest content catnip is the simple sight of a man sanding wooden floors.

From BBC

These include citronella and a few other geranium varieties, marigolds, lemongrass, catnip, certain types of mint, lavender and lantana.

From Los Angeles Times

But she said she wasn’t surprised, considering that pretend friends, as she calls them, have long been artistic catnip.

From New York Times

At a time when more people are dropping their traditional cable subscriptions, live sports remain catnip for advertisers because they are one place where audiences are guaranteed in real time.

From New York Times