What does tom mean?
In standard English, tom is a noun naming a male cat, especially one kept as a pet or encountered in the familiar tomcat sense. It can also refer, chiefly in North American English, to a male turkey. A female cat is a queen, while young cats are kittens; for turkeys, the corresponding female is a hen. “Tom” is straightforward but less frequent in ordinary reference than “male cat,” and “tomcat” is often the more idiomatic term when a male cat is being identified generally. The word does not function as a verb or adjective, and it should not be confused with the common proper name Tom. Its compactness is part of its appeal: one familiar word efficiently supplies a male designation for two familiar domestic animals. The word also carries a small piece of cultural history: the generic male name Tom became the conventional label for a male cat, giving us the established noun “tomcat.”
nounA male cat. In North American English, it can also mean a male turkey.
- A male cat, especially one kept as a pet.
- Chiefly in North American English, a male turkey.
"The old tom prowled the garden with the confidence of a cat that considered the place his own."
"A grey tom sat on the garden wall and watched the birds."
"The farmer followed the tom turkey across the field."
This is the regular plural, though “tomcat” is usually more idiomatic when referring to male cats collectively.
"Two toms appeared at the edge of the garden."
The everyday name Tom became the standard label for a male cat, giving English the wonderfully plain word “tomcat.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tom come from?
The word tom is attested from the medieval period for a male cat and derives from Tom, the familiar English form of the name Thomas. Its use for a male turkey developed later, particularly in North American English. Thomas ultimately came through Greek and Latin from the Aramaic name tōmā, meaning “twin”; related forms include Tomás and Tommaso.
How tom is actually used
As a general term for a male cat, “tom” is less frequent than “male cat,” while “tomcat” is often more idiomatic. The meaning “male turkey” is chiefly North American. The noun is standard but may sound old-fashioned in some British contexts.
Easily confused with tom
Lowercase “tom” is a common noun for a male cat or turkey, whereas capitalized “Tom” is usually a personal name.
A “tom” is a male cat or turkey, while a “tomb” is a structure in which a dead body is buried.