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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.
Synonyms
Examples of feline in a Sentence
James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
Under the feline mask was Billy Bush, the radio and TV personality, host of Fox’s Extra, who became the subject of international news when, during the 2016 presidential campaign, video resurfaced of him and Donald Trump engaged in a crude conversation.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2024
Some experts say the effects of climate change, such as milder winters and an earlier start to spring, may be to blame for the uptick in feline birth rates.
—Sachi Mulkey, WIRED, 23 Mar. 2024
Both 17-year-old girls have seen videos of feline judges — often petting spines and examining facial structures — and wanted to experience it first-hand.
—Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2024
Retrieving isn’t just for dogs, but the emerging science of cat play can’t fully explain the feline phenomenon
Growing up, James Serpell had a cat named Mungo with a penchant for pencils.
—Lauren Leffer, Scientific American, 14 Dec. 2023
Always choose products specifically formulated for cats when addressing flea issues in feline companions.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2023
Fill with: Cocktail Cherries Blackberry Shortcake Coffee Sea Salt Caramels
Easter Baskets for Pets
Cat Toy Easter Basket
This little Easter basket will be a hit with any feline friend — it’s filled with a chick, bunny, and lamb toy.
—Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024
Chase’s health has also been impacted by his positive diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS in cats, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.
—Makiya Seminera, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'feline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Latin felinus, from felis
1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing feline
Articles Related to feline
Dictionary Entries Near feline
Cite this Entry
“Feline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feline. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
feline
1 of 2 adjectivefeline
2 of 2 noun
Medical Definition
feline
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on feline
Nglish: Translation of feline for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of feline for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about feline
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