# catch

/ˈkætʃ/ (US) · /kˈætʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/catch
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to grab a moving object

verb · CEFR A1

to stop and hold something that is moving through the air.

For teachers: to intercept and seize a moving object, especially with the hands.

- The goalkeeper managed to catch the ball just before it crossed the line.
- The outfielder sprinted toward the boundary, leaping at the last second to catch the fly ball and secure the final out of the inning.

### 2. to board transport

verb · CEFR A1

to arrive in time to get on a bus, train, or plane.

For teachers: to reach a means of transport in time to board it before departure.

- If we leave now, we can still catch the last train home.
- Despite the heavy traffic, she managed to catch the express shuttle, arriving at the terminal just as the final boarding call was announced.

### 3. to hear or understand

verb · CEFR B1

to hear or understand what someone is saying.

For teachers: to perceive or comprehend a sensory input, typically speech, that is fleeting or quiet.

- Sorry, I didn't quite catch your name—could you say it again?
- The acoustics in the lecture hall were so poor that students in the back row struggled to catch the professor's subtle nuances.

### 4. to become stuck

verb · CEFR B2

to get hooked or stuck on something.

For teachers: to become entangled or snagged on a projection or sharp edge.

- Be careful not to catch your sweater on that rusty nail.
- The hem of her silk dress caught on a splintered floorboard, causing a small but noticeable tear as she walked away.

### 5. a hidden problem

noun · CEFR B2

a hidden difficulty or a trick in a situation that seems too good to be true.

For teachers: a concealed drawback or disadvantage in an otherwise attractive situation.

- The apartment is very cheap, but the catch is that there is no heating.
- The contract offered a remarkably high salary, but the catch was a non-compete clause that effectively barred him from the industry for two years.

### 6. a fastener

noun · CEFR B2

a small device used to lock or close something, like a door or a bag.

For teachers: a mechanical device or clasp designed to hold a door, window, or lid closed.

- The catch on my suitcase is broken, so I have to use a strap to keep it shut.
- The antique cabinet featured a brass catch that had become stiff with age, requiring a firm tug to release the heavy door.

### 7. a desirable person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

someone who would be a very good person to marry or date.

For teachers: a person considered highly desirable as a romantic partner or spouse due to wealth, status, or character.

- Your new boyfriend is smart, kind, and successful—he is quite a catch.
- In the local social circles, the young heir was considered the ultimate catch, though he remained largely uninterested in the attention he received.

### 8. amount caught

noun · CEFR B2

the total amount of something caught, especially fish.

For teachers: the total quantity of a haul, specifically in the context of fishing or hunting.

- The fishermen were disappointed with their small catch after a long day at sea.
- The seasonal catch was significantly lower than previous years, prompting concerns about the long-term sustainability of the local ecosystem.

## Examples

- The offer sounds great, but what's the catch?
- The free trial is tempting, but the catch is you must provide your credit card details.
- He accepted the promotion, only later discovering the catch: the new role came with significantly longer hours and no additional pay for the first six months.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.