Word
feline
Phoneticsfe·line, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfiˌɫaɪn/
UK/fˈiːlaɪn/
Definition
adj. relating to cats or looking like a cat. You use this word when you want to sound more formal or scientific than just saying 'cat-like'.
adj. relating to or affecting members of the cat family (Felidae); having the physical or behavioral characteristics of a cat. Often used in formal, scientific, or literary contexts to describe movement or appearance.
Examples
“She moved across the room with feline grace.”
“The veterinarian specializes in feline health, focusing specifically on the unique dietary needs of older house cats.”
“The dancer's performance was noted for its feline agility, as she transitioned between complex poses with a silent, predatory smoothness that captivated the entire audience.”
Examples
simple
“She moved across the room with feline grace.”
contextual
“The veterinarian specializes in feline health, focusing specifically on the unique dietary needs of older house cats.”
complex
“The dancer's performance was noted for its feline agility, as she transitioned between complex poses with a silent, predatory smoothness that captivated the entire audience.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun to describe qualities like grace, movement, or appearance.
Real-World Examples
“A previously unknown cat species has been identified in plain sight: at a wildlife sanctuary in Bolivia, where the small, spotted feline had been living for years.” “The small feline, about the size of a domestic moggy, went under the radar because it was confused with other wild cats that share similar spots and stripes.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin fēlīnus, from fēlēs (“wildcat, marten”).
Substantive use of the adjective feline, from Latin fēlīnus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/feline