# catnip

/ˈkætnɪp/ (US) · /kˈætnɪp/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/catnip
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

a plant that cats love to smell and play with because it makes them feel excited. In a general sense, it describes something that is very attractive or exciting to a specific group of people.

For teachers: a perennial herb of the mint family that produces a scent highly attractive to most cats. Figuratively, it refers to something that possesses an irresistible or intense appeal to a particular audience.

## Examples

- The new video game is catnip for teenagers.
- The politician's speech about tax cuts was catnip for the local business owners.
- While the technical details might bore a general audience, the intricate data visualizations were absolute catnip for the group of visiting statisticians.

## Synonyms

attraction, draw, lure, magnet, catmint, enticement

## Antonyms

deterrent, repellent

## Usage notes

- Used literally for the plant and figuratively for things with strong appeal; the figurative sense is often used with 'for'.

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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.