feline

adjective

fe·​line ˈfē-ˌlīn How to pronounce feline (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or affecting cats or the cat family
2
: resembling a cat: such as
a
: sleekly graceful
c
feline noun
felinely adverb
felinity noun

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.

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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These smart devices handle the dirty work for you, ensuring a consistently clean environment for your feline friend while saving you time and effort. Jené Luciani Sena May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025 Here are eight essential tips for an enjoyable beach day with your feline friend: Avoid beach outings during hot summer days, as cats are susceptible to heat stroke—a potentially fatal condition if not addressed promptly. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025 Look for one with a solid roof to protect from hot sun or rain showers, and multiple levels so your feline friends can play or lounge. Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025 Another feline companion, was introduced into the household—and instantly bonded with Ollie. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for feline

Word History

Etymology

Latin felinus, from felis

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of feline was in 1681

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Feline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feline. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

feline

1 of 2 adjective
fe·​line
ˈfē-ˌlīn
1
a
: belonging to the family of flesh-eating mammals with soft fur that includes the cats, lions, tigers, leopards, pumas, and lynxes
b
: of or resembling a cat : characteristic of cats
2

feline

2 of 2 noun
: a feline animal : cat

Medical Definition

feline

adjective
fe·​line ˈfē-ˌlīn How to pronounce feline (audio)
: of, relating to, or affecting cats or the family Felidae
feline noun

More from Merriam-Webster on feline

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