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 Why do my cats find catnip calming instead of invigorating? Jack Gedney, The Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2024 Two strongly scented plants to avoid are catnip and its cousin catmint. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2024 Such content is catnip for her followers, many of whom enjoy recalling simpler times when Wet 'n Wild polishes were only $1. C. Shardae Jobson, Allure, 18 Sep. 2024 Provide a Cat-Friendly Space If stray cats are already visiting your yard, trying using their catnip cravings as a distraction that will help keep kitties away from vegetable and flower beds. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for catnip 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'catnip.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near catnip

Cite this Entry

“Catnip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catnip. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on catnip

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