scaredy-cat

noun

: an unduly fearful person

Examples of scaredy-cat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Kevin, Wolfe said, can even sometimes be a scaredy-cat. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024 These polar bear cubs had a sweet, scaredy-cat moment, and mom was there to save the day. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 1 Dec. 2023 Two scaredy-cats walk into Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights — and leave with a spooky new obsession. Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2023

Word History

Etymology

scared (past participle of scare) + -y entry 1 + cat

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scaredy-cat was in 1904

Dictionary Entries Near scaredy-cat

Cite this Entry

“Scaredy-cat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scaredy-cat. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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