What does catsuit mean?
A catsuit is a single, close-fitting garment that covers the wearer's body from shoulders (or neck) down to the ankles or wrists, usually made of stretchy material such as lycra, spandex, or leather. It differs from a jumpsuit by hugging the body tightly rather than hanging loosely. Catsuits are most often associated with dancers, acrobats, gymnasts, and stage performers, for whom unrestrictive, streamlined clothing is practical, but they have also been adopted as striking fashion items, notably on runways and by pop performers. The name arose in the mid-20th century, likening the garment's snug fit to a cat's sleek form. The word carries connotations of athleticism, glamour, and sometimes audacity, and it appears frequently in descriptions of performance costumes and celebrity style. It is a countable noun with the standard plural 'catsuits'.
nounA close-fitting one-piece garment covering the body and limbs, typically worn by dancers, acrobats, or as fashion.
- A close-fitting one-piece garment covering the torso, arms, and legs, typically made of stretch fabric such as lycra or leather.
"The dancer rehearsed her routine in a black catsuit."
"She pulled on her catsuit before the gymnastics class."
"The singer took the stage in a shimmering silver catsuit."
Regular plural; used when referring to multiple garments or a range of styles.
"The costume shop stocks catsuits in several colors."
The catsuit got its name in the mid-20th century because it fit as sleekly as a cat's skin — a name that stuck after Audrey Hepburn wore one in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of catsuit
Catsuit is a compound of 'cat' and 'suit', coined in English during the mid-20th century. The name evokes the smooth, skin-tight fit associated with a cat's body. It gained wider currency through its use in fashion journalism and popular culture in the 1950s and 1960s. Both components are native English words of Germanic origin ('cat' via Old English 'catt', 'suit' from Anglo-Norman/Old French 'suite').
How catsuit is actually used
Informal to neutral register. The word is common in British English and widely understood in American English. Often associated with dance, performance, sport, and bold fashion statements; it can carry glamorous or daring connotations depending on context.
Easily confused with catsuit
Catsup is an older American term for ketchup, whereas a catsuit is a tight one-piece garment.