catamite

noun

cat·a·mite ˈka-tə-ˌmīt

: a boy kept by a pederast

Word History

Etymology

Latin catamitus, from Catamitus Ganymede, from Etruscan Catmite, from Greek Ganymēdēs

First Known Use

circa 1552, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of catamite was circa 1552

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Browse Nearby Words

catamenia

catamite

catamorphism

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Catamite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catamite. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

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Medical Definition

catamite

noun

cat·a·mite ˈkat-ə-ˌmīt

: a boy kept by a pederast

called also pathic

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025 - Definition revised

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