catlike

American  

[kat-lahyk] / ˈkætˌlaɪk /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of catlike

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 31, 2024

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

From Slate • Nov. 26, 2023

There’s all kinds of stuff that has tried to be a bit catlike in different ways—mongooses, things like that.

From Scientific American • Oct. 4, 2023

Scientists traced SARS-CoV-1 to palm civets, a type of catlike wild carnivore sold as food in some South China markets and restaurants.

From New York Times • Jul. 25, 2023

In the late afternoon Wenamon came into the shop and glided in his chilling, catlike way toward the statue base Gebu was measuring.

From "The Golden Goblet" by Eloise Jarvis McGraw