catnip

noun

cat·​nip ˈkat-ˌnip 

1

: a strong-scented perennial mint (Nepeta cataria) that has whorls of small pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats

2

: something very attractive

Examples of catnip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While Rihanna provides endless fodder for self-identifying maximalists, Hailey Bieber’s wardrobe is catnip for those with more subtle tastes. —Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 28 May 2026

Her annoyance about that has led tennis tournaments to consider their strategy for the behind-the-scenes video that serves as catnip for fans. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 May 2026

They’re filled with the darkest humor, my catnip. —Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 21 May 2026

Why catnip surprises gardeners as a pest deterrent Catnip is the wild card on the list — beloved by cats, but a serious headache for mosquitoes. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

cat entry 1 + obsolete nep catnip, from Middle English, from Old English nepte, from Latin nepeta

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

catnip

noun

cat·​nip -ˌnip 

: a strong-scented herb of the mint family that is especially attractive to cats

Medical Definition

catnip

noun

cat·​nip -ˌnip 

variants also catnep

-ˌnep, -nəp 

1

: a strong-scented mint (Nepeta cataria) that has small pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats

called also cataria, catmint

2

: cataria sense 2