kitten

1 of 2

noun

kit·​ten ˈki-tᵊn How to pronounce kitten (audio)
: a young cat
also : an immature or young individual of various other small mammals

kitten

2 of 2

verb

kittened; kittening
ˈkit-niŋ,
ˈki-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce kitten (audio)

intransitive verb

: to give birth to kittens

Examples of kitten in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The kittens that were dropped off by the woman were rescued and are currently getting care, but the Humane Society addressed her as well. Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2025 The two counties where the kittens were documented are nearly 400 miles apart. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025
Verb
After getting rescued at a young age, a tuxedo kitten immediately claimed his owner's cat as his own new mommy, and internet users can't cope with the heartwarming relationship the two have developed. Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025 Local authorities were able to coax the bobcat kitten out of the tree and bring it some comfort. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 25 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for kitten

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English kitoun, from Anglo-French *kiton, chiton, diminutive of cat, chat cat, from Late Latin cattus

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kitten was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kitten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kitten. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

kitten

noun
kit·​ten
ˈkit-ᵊn
: a young cat
also : a young individual of various other small mammals

More from Merriam-Webster on kitten

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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