catching

adjective

catch·​ing ˈka-chiŋ 

ˈke-

1

: infectious, contagious

the flu is catching

his spirit is catching

2

: catchy, alluring

Synonyms of catching

• infectious
• communicable
• infective
• contagious

Examples of catching in a Sentence

“I have a cold.” “Is it catching?”

a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, the Giants are making an even more shocking decision to ship Bailey, who will be eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, to the Guardians, who have their own crowded catching room between Bo Naylor and Austin Hedges. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 9 May 2026

Christian Vázquez, who replaced Diaz in the lineup Monday, figures to take on primary catching duties while Diaz is out. — Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 4 May 2026

The Braves gained four years and millions of dollars by substituting Olson for Freeman at first base – even though one of those traded was slugging catching prospect Shea Langeliers. — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026

The designs are eye catching and beautiful, inspired by South Florida's beaches and ocean water. — Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing catching

• (one's) age is catching up to one

Rhymes for catching

• batching
• hatching
• latching
• matching
• patching
• scratching
• snatching
• thatching
• attaching
• despatching
• detaching
• dispatching

Kids Definition

catching

adjective

: infectious

the flu is catching