catnip

noun

cat·​nip ˈkat-ˌnip 

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

There’s something about building a big portfolio of brands that’s like catnip for the fashion C-suite. —Evan Clark, WWD, 13 Feb. 2025

Weaponizing Controversy Against #MeToo This controversy has become easy catnip for those seeking to discredit the #MeToo movement. —Gemma Allen, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

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

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

Kids Definition

catnip

noun

cat·​nip -ˌnip 

: a strong-scented herb of the mint family that is especially attractive to cats

Medical Definition

catnip

noun

cat·​nip -ˌnip 

variants also catnep

-ˌnep, -nəp 

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

: cataria sense 2