1
: of, relating to, or affecting cats or the cat family
2
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
Having other cats in her foster family has helped boost her confidence; a feline companion would be a plus in her new home.
—
Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Kittens were also found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula last year, which, like the feline family seen in Minnesota in March, was a first in a century.
—Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026
Its glittering pin stripes nodded to traditional menswear, while the yellow leopard front patch was reminiscent of her feline debut.
—Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
Notoedres cati or feline scabies is primarily specific to cats but can also rabbits, other rodents, and rarely dogs.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for feline
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Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 2 May 2026
Kittens were also found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula last year, which, like the feline family seen in Minnesota in March, was a first in a century.
—Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026
Its glittering pin stripes nodded to traditional menswear, while the yellow leopard front patch was reminiscent of her feline debut.
—Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2026
Notoedres cati or feline scabies is primarily specific to cats but can also rabbits, other rodents, and rarely dogs.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for feline
Cite this Entry
“Feline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feline. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
feline
adjective
fe·line
ˈfē-ˌlīn 
: of, relating to, or affecting cats or the family Felidae
feline
noun
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