Definition of feline
1 : of, relating to, or affecting cats or the cat family
2 : resembling a cat: such asa : sleekly gracefulb : sly, treacherousc : stealthy
feline
nounfelinely
adverbIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of feline in a Sentence
They move with feline agility.
the thief was eerily feline as he moved stealthily through the darkened rooms
Recent Examples of feline from the Web
-
This resort also has a Cat Café, where guests can make new feline friends.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'feline'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Cats have always provoked a strong reaction from humans. The Egyptians worshipped them, leaving thousands of feline mummies and idols as evidence. In the Middle Ages, felines were feared as agents of the devil, and were thought to creep around silently at night doing evil. (Notice that feline is also a noun.) The fascinating family called the Felidae includes about 40 species of superb hunters, including the lions, tigers, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, bobcats, and lynxes, and almost all of them are smooth, silent, and independent.
Origin and Etymology of feline
Latin felinus, from felis
FELINE Defined for English Language Learners
feline
playDefinition of feline for English Language Learners
-
: of or relating to the cat family
-
: resembling a cat : like a cat's
FELINE Defined for Kids
Definition of feline for Students
1 : of or relating to the domestic cat or a related animal (as a lion) feline anatomy
2 : like or like that of a cat feline movements
Medical Dictionary
feline
playMedical Definition of feline
: of, relating to, or affecting cats or the family Felidae
feline
nounLearn More about feline
-
See words that rhyme with feline Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for feline Spanish Central: Translation of feline Nglish: Translation of feline for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of feline for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about feline
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up feline? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!