What does feline mean?
A feline is any member of the biological cat family, Felidae — a group that spans the household tabby, the lion, the tiger, the leopard, and dozens of smaller wild species. The word also functions as an adjective, describing anything cat-like: feline grace, feline eyes, feline stealth. Because 'cat' usually means only the domestic animal, 'feline' is the natural choice when speakers want to include big cats or speak with a slightly more clinical, zoological tone. In everyday figurative use, calling someone's movement or manner feline suggests sleekness, quiet confidence, and a hint of predatory elegance — qualities people have long projected onto cats. The word derives from the Latin felis, meaning cat, entering English via French in the seventeenth century. Whether describing a pet curled on a windowsill or a snow leopard on a mountain ridge, feline captures the whole cat family in a single, elegant term.
A mammal belonging to the cat family (Felidae), including domestic cats and wild species such as lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs.
"Cheetahs are the fastest land felines on Earth."
Often preferred over 'cat' in veterinary, zoological, or formal writing because it covers the entire cat family.
Of or relating to cats; resembling or characteristic of a cat, especially in grace, stealth, or appearance.
"Her feline eyes seemed to take in everything without appearing to look."
Standard plural; used both for multiple individual cats and to refer to the cat family collectively.
"Big-game conservationists work to protect endangered felines across Africa and Asia."
Every house cat carries the Latin word for 'cat-like' in its family tree — felix means lucky in Latin, and cats have always seemed to know it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of feline
Feline comes from the Latin felis, meaning 'cat', which itself may be of uncertain earlier origin. The adjective form passed through Late Latin felinus ('of a cat') before reaching English by way of French in the early modern period. It shares its root with felinity (the quality of being cat-like) and is distantly related to the Latin name Felix, though the connection there is more a matter of shared sound than established kinship.
Related word forms
How feline is actually used
As a noun, 'feline' often appears in scientific, veterinary, or formal contexts where 'cat' would be too narrow or informal. It usefully covers all members of the cat family, not just domestic cats. As an adjective it typically connotes elegance, stealth, or mystery, and can occasionally carry a subtly seductive or predatory implication when describing a person's movements or gaze.
Easily confused with feline
Canine refers to dogs or dog-like animals, while feline refers to cats or cat-like animals.
Female refers to the sex of an organism; feline specifically relates to cats — they share letters but nothing else.