Definition
n. a short, memorable phrase that a famous person or a group uses often. People often repeat it because it sounds cool or makes them feel part of a team.
n. a short, memorable phrase or expression that is frequently used by a particular person or group. Often used to identify a specific individual or to reinforce a brand identity.
Examples
“His catchphrase is 'Let's get this party started'.”
“The politician's catchphrase 'Make our country great again' became a central theme of his entire campaign.”
“While the actor's early career was defined by his physical comedy, his later years were marked by a single, iconic catchphrase that became synonymous with his public persona.”
Examples
simple
“His catchphrase is 'Let's get this party started'.”
contextual
“The politician's catchphrase 'Make our country great again' became a central theme of his entire campaign.”
complex
“While the actor's early career was defined by his physical comedy, his later years were marked by a single, iconic catchphrase that became synonymous with his public persona.”
Real-World Examples
“Matthews was known for his "bootiful" catchphrase and his success led to an expansion of turkey-related products, including turkey Twizzlers.” “The jingles helped make the product memorable, as people still use the catchphrase “put your body on a Boogie” today.” Etymology
From catch + phrase, from the notion that the phrase will catch in the mind of the user.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/catchphrase
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0