catnip

noun

cat·​nip ˈkat-ˌnip How to pronounce catnip (audio)
1
: a strong-scented perennial mint (Nepeta cataria) that has whorls of small pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats
2
: something very attractive

Examples of catnip 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.
Blank Pages is the clean skin, pillowy scent that seems to be catnip these days, and has a silky profile that reminds me of warm pajamas just pulled out of the dryer. Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 31 Jan. 2025 However, an all-gold watch is still a flashy proposition for the average client, so the steel version will likely be serious catnip for more conservative collectors. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2025 The production will be catnip for filmmakers, casting directors and producers. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024 Audiard is a former Palme d’Or winner whose film is catnip for international voters. Nate Jones, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for catnip

Word History

Etymology

cat entry 1 + obsolete nep catnip, from Middle English, from Old English nepte, from Latin nepeta

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of catnip was in 1712

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Cite this Entry

“Catnip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catnip. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

catnip

noun
cat·​nip -ˌnip How to pronounce catnip (audio)
: a strong-scented herb of the mint family that is especially attractive to cats

Medical Definition

catnip

noun
cat·​nip -ˌnip How to pronounce catnip (audio)
variants also catnep
1
: a strong-scented mint (Nepeta cataria) that has small pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats

called also cataria, catmint

2

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