pussycat

noun

pussy·​cat ˈpu̇-sē-ˌkat How to pronounce pussycat (audio)
1
: cat
2
: one that is weak, compliant, or amiable : softy

Examples of pussycat in a Sentence

He looks tough, but he's really a pussycat. oh, look at the cute little pussycat, kids
Recent Examples on the Web And there was never a bigger pussycat. Vulture, 22 June 2022 The book’s events—which track the elderly, prosperous, stingy Ebenezer Scrooge’s psychic transformation from grouchy bear to purring pussycat—unfold in the course of one night. Brad Leithauser, WSJ, 23 Dec. 2022 But a recent study shows that a single spritz of oxytocin…a hormone known to promote social bonding…renders even the most ornery alpha a total pussycat. Karen Hopkin, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2022 This company has the right kind of creative energy and entertainment bonafides perfect for my ornery pussycat. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 16 June 2022 Grace always wore that pussycat-bow shirt under those fawny beige little sweaters. Vogue, 26 Jan. 2022 There is also Maya’s big pet jaguar, Chiapa, who is a pussycat. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2021 When playing Tony, though, Gandolfini underwent an awe-inspiring facial and bodily transformation; the lovable pussycat turned into a ruthless and philandering gangster. James Andrew Miller, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2021 And the flexibility of the imperturbable Audi mill allows a fifth-gear drive from near idle to redline, a trait reminiscent of the early Lamborghini GTs and one which makes the Spyker a pussycat to drive around town. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pussycat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pussycat was in 1698

Dictionary Entries Near pussycat

Cite this Entry

“Pussycat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pussycat. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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