Abyssinian cat

noun

: any of a breed of medium-sized, slender domestic cats of African origin with soft, short, usually reddish to yellowish brown hair ticked with darker color and with a black stripe down the spine

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Abyssinian cat was in 1871

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Abyssinian cat

Cite this Entry

“Abyssinian cat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Abyssinian%20cat. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!